We are not aware of any ceremonies connected with the digging of wells in the West, but in India it is regarded as a very important function requiring care and caution and, above all, propitiation of the deities. A Brahmin is consulted as to the auspicious hour when the work of digging should commence. The auspicious days vary in different places. In Gujarat, Tuesdays and the days on which the earth sleeps are avoided; and the earth is supposed to be asleep on the 1st, the 7th, the 9th, the 10th, the 14th and the 24th days following a _Sankranti_, _i.e._, the day on which the sun crosses from one constellation to another. With the exception of these days, a date is generally selected on which the _chandra-graha_, or the moon, is favourable to the constructor of the well. On the appointed day, the water diviner, the constructor of the well, the Brahmin priest, and the labourers go to the place where the well is to be dug, and an image of the god _Ganpati_, the protector of all auspicious ceremonies, is first installed on the spot and worshipped with _panchamrit_, a punch or mixture of milk, curds, ghee, honey and sugar. A green-coloured piece of _atlas_ (silk cloth), about two feet long, is then spread on the spot, and a pound and a quarter of wheat, a cocoanut, betels, dates and copper coins are placed on it. A copper bowl filled with water and containing some silver or gold coins is also placed there. The mouth of the bowl is covered with the leaves of the mango tree and a cocoanut is placed over the leaves. After this the priest chants sacred hymns and asks his host to perform the _Khat_ ceremonies.