Various Sects
This article is an extract from
THE TRIBES and CASTES of BENGAL. Ethnographic Glossary. Printed at the Bengal Secretariat Press. 1891. . |
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Various Sects
In addition to the Vaishnava and Saiva sects, four others are met with in Eastern Bengal. The Sri-Narayana calls itself deist, but the great annual gathering is for the most part a scene of intemperance and vice. The members chiefly belong to low castes, who regard the drinking of spirits and the smoking of Ganjha as the greatest enjoyments in life.
The Nanak Shahi and Suthra Shahi sects, transplanted from the Punjab, have never become acclimatized in Bengal. They have no root in the affections of the people, and are gradually perishing for want of support.
The Tri-nath Pujah, a modern excrescence peculiar to Eastern Bengal, has attracted great numbers of the most credulous and foolish of the people. The intoxication produced by Indian hemp is considered to be the illumination of the Spirit, and essential to the proper performance of their religious duties. The evil effects of this debasing worship are obvious, but up to 1875 it had spread with wonderful rapidity throughout Eastern Bengal, although no respectable Sudra had openly enrolled himself in its ranks.
