Chapter DEUTI to DEWALLY of D by The Hobson Jobson Dictionary

and fireworks, on land and river, by feasting, carousing, gambling, and sacrifice of goats, sheep, and buffaloes.

1613.—“…no equinoctio da entrada de libra, dià chamado Divâly, tem tal privilegio e vertude que obriga falar as arvores, plantas e ervas….”—Godinho de Eredia, f. 38v.

[1623.—“October the four and twentieth was the Davàli, or Feast of the Indian Gentiles.”—P. della Valle, Hak. Soc. ii. 206.

1651.—“In the month of October, eight days after the full moon, there is a feast held in honour of Vistnou, which is called Dipáwali.”—A. Rogerius, De Open-Deure.

[1671.—“In October they begin their yeare with great feasting, Jollity, Sending Presents to all they have any busynes with, which time is called Dually.”—Hedges, Diary, Hak. Soc. ii. cccxiv.]

1673.—“The first New Moon in October is the Banyan’s Dually.”—Fryer, 110.

1690.—“…their Grand Festival Season, called the Dually Time.”—Ovington, 401.

1820.—“The Dewalee, Deepaullee, or Time of Lights, takes place 20 days after the Dussera, and lasts three days; during which there is feasting, illumination, and fireworks.”—T. Coats, in Tr. Lit. Soc. Bo., ii. 211.

1843.—“Nov. 5. The Diwali, happening to fall on this day, the whole river was bright with lamps…. Ever and anon some votary would offer up his prayers to Lakshmi the Fortuna, and launch a tiny raft bearing a cluster of lamps into the water,—then watch it with fixed and anxious gaze. If it floats on till the far distance hides it, thrice happy he…but if, caught in some wild eddy of the stream, it disappears at once, so will the bark of his fortunes be engulphed in the whirlpool of adversity.”—Dry Leaves from Young Egypt, 84.

1883.—“The Divali is celebrated with splendid effect at Benares…. At the approach of night small earthen lamps, fed with oil, are prepared by millions, and placed quite close together, so as to mark out every line of mansion, palace, temple, minaret, and dome in streaks of fire.”—Monier Williams, Religious Thought and Life in India, 432.

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