larger establishment outside, are made ready. The cooking for the wedding guests is done outside, while some dainty dishes are cooked in the haram.
A large structure like a pavilion for musical entertainments is erected in one of the adjoining fields. This is merely a temporary tent with wooden beams, and is of extensive dimensions. The walls of this shādi khāna, "marriage house," as it is called, are made of thick and coarse cloth extending from one pole to another, the roof is supported by beams. The decorations of its interior are trappings of various colours, red predominating. At each pole is a cone-shaped globe made of abrak, a thick transparent paper like leaf gelatine or talc, and a coloured candle burns in it. There is a raised platform about five feet broad, and expensive carpets are laid on it, while white roller pillows add to the charm of the scheme of decoration.
The entrance is like an old Egyptian archway, and a red cloth leads to the centre of the platform. Here is the Seat of Honour—the seat where the leader of the family or the head of the clan is to repose. His seat is further made comfortable by placing two or three quilts on the hard platform, above which is embroidered velvet; the Roller Pillow is larger, of a different colour to the rest, and has tassels at each end.
At the gate of the Fort are pipers and drummers, who make loud clamour during the eventful period of three days preceding the ceremony. One batch of these—objectionable disturbers of the peace—are posted on the roof of the Fort gate. They begin as a rule before cockcrow.
One week before the marriage the bride seeks the solitude of her chamber surrounded by her companions. She has to undergo a course of beauty treatment. Early each morning she is massaged with a paste, made of almonds, aromatic substances and flour and butter, and then has a bath. This operation is repeated in the evening. Meanwhile she is put on light diet.
