Page:Picturesque Nepal.djvu/194

four sides of the courtyard in different vivid costumes and uniforms, leaving the centre free for the sacrifice. Here are grouped the stands of colours, bright draperies in themselves, but made still more gay with garlands of flowers and streamers. In front of each stand is the sacrificial post, and beyond that a great mound of decapitated animals, mute and gory witnesses of an inexplicable custom. As we enter, a living victim is dragged forward and tied by the neck to the post, fear naturally causing the animal to draw back, thus exposing and extending its neck. The executioner approaches bearing a kora, a weapon with a wide curved blade, having the point formed by two scallops, and, awaiting an opportune moment, dexterously severs the head of the animal with one powerful blow. This action is the signal for a blare of trumpets, the energetic firing of guns, and every one making some sign of his gratification at the sacrifice. This is continued until all the animals contributed are dispatched, when a procession is formed, headed by the band, and the "Blessing of the Colours" takes place. All the officers