3. FESTIVAL OF SALAR MAS'UD GHAZI.--There is some doubt as to the nationality of this Saint. Some say he was a Husaini Syed, others that he was a Pathan, and a martyr. His tomb is situated in Oude. Afsos thus describes the {260} pilgrimage. "Once a year great crowds of people gather from all parts. They carry red lances, and beat thousands of tambourines. The 'Urs is held on the first Sunday of the month Jith (May-June). The people believe that this was his wedding day, because it is said that he had on wedding garments when he was killed. This belief once led a certain oilman, a resident of Raduli, to send a bedstead, chair, and other marriage presents to the shrine at this time. The custom is still kept up by the descendants of the oilman. The common people fasten ropes to the branches of the trees in the neighbourhood, and swing, some by the hands and some by the heels, and assume various disguises. They thus hope to obtain what they desire." The Hindus venerate this Saint very highly. The Musalmans look upon him as a most sacred person, for he slew many idolatrous Hindus, and so earned the title of Ghazi, the warrior: the Hindus consider that it was only by the power of God that he could do so many acts of prowess. 4. FESTIVAL OF THE BIRA OR OF KHAJA KHIZR.--Of this Saint, M. Garcin de Tassy says: "Khaja Khizr is a personage respecting whom the opinions of orientals vary. Many consider him the same as Phineas, the grandson of Aaron; others that he is the prophet Elias; and lastly, the Turks confound him with St. George. In order to reconcile these conflicting opinions, some allege that the same soul has animated three different persons. Whatever be the fact, Khizr, according to the Musalmans, discovered the source of the Water of Life of which he is the guardian. He is believed to be very clever in divination, and to be the patron of waters. As such a festival is held in his honour." Jawan describes it thus: "In the month of Bhadun (August-September) all whose wishes have been fulfilled, make it a point of duty to set afloat the boat (nau) in honour of Khaja Khizr, and to make according to their means offerings of milk and bruised grain to the holy personage. On every Friday, and in some places on every Thursday, in the month {261} in question, the devotees having prepared the bira carry it at night to the bank of the river, with many ceremonies. There great and small, having lighted lamps and tapers, make their respective oblations, whilst a number of swimmers together jointly push the bira into the middle of the river." Sometimes a number of small biras, made of clay, are also launched, and as each carries a lamp the general effect is striking. It is said that the Musalman natives of the Maldive Islands annually launch a small vessel laden with perfumes, gum, and odoriferous flowers, and leave it to the mercy of the winds and waves as an offering to the god of the sea.