WIFE LOST AS A BET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19011, 6 November 1923, Page 4

WIFE LOST AS A BET.

WHEN HINDUS MAY CUMBER There is one tidy during- the year upon which ihe Indian (lovonuneul lias decreed that Hindus may lawfully gamble. That flay is Uevali —the Day of Light, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Kim, in celebration of his coronation, and of tliis day the devotees of that religion lake great advantage.. Huge sums, in relation to the wealth of the gamblers, are speculated, losers often linishing up minus money, house, and everything. And on frequent occasions in such circumstances tho born gambler has lost ono of his wives. From sunset onwards, on this day, the, native bazaars throughout India, resemble fairyland, for outside the house or shop of every true Hindu are placed numerous little lamps of a very primitive construction. They consist merely of small shallow howls, about the size of a salt-collar, tilled with oil in which a wick is floated. The number of bmps varies with the financial standing of the householder, the wealthier natives displaying them by the hundred. According to the tradition, he who displays the grae.test number of lights will become exceedingly rich, for on this night Rdishami, the goddess of wealth, i iS supposed to wander abroad, and enter whereever there are sufliciout lights to catch her fancy. Another method of enticing the unsuspecting lady consists of placing in a howl hik'd with milk and rice a cluster of pretty flowers. The Hindu believes (hat to present a, friend with flowers is to wish him or her happiness. Hence the offering of flowers to Lnkshami.