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and foul language at her till she dropped dead. And the children made a great bonfire of her remains. (the fire is the symbol of purification)

Another belief held in the south was that Kama (lust) was burnt to death by Shiva's third eye on this day. [The Frontal eye, the eye of fire, is the eye of higher perception. It looks mainly inward. When directed outward, it burns all that appears before it. It is from a glance at this third eye that Kama, the lord of lust was burned to ashes.] p 214 Hindu Polytheism by Danielou.

The bonfires were burnt the night before Holi - as far as I could see there was very little ceremony - mostly young kids some one light the huge pile of trees and bushes that people have been piling up for several weeks. Everyone gives a couple of yells and cheers. The blaze is tremendous, the crowd is pushed back by the heat. The fire dies down and people stand around. No effigies burned in the fire no elaborate ritual or symbolism.

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How the bonfire ceremony got connected with the fertility festival of the next day - they don't seem to have much logical connection. [I have found the connection in black notebook research May 27. 70]

Evening of Holi. The streets swarm - people have bathed put on fresh white clothes. the revel energy has abated quieted somewhat, become softer. the shops hang extra lights. the moon full, [ILLEGIBLE: looks like "opuilsent"] distant presence over all. Areas of brightness in front of the pan shops, tea, hotels etc are crowded with men they carry red powder in pieces of cloth and on meeting friends paint their foreheads and embrace twice, arms entwined. The mood is jubilant relaxed. The memory of the morning bacchanal lies quiet in the night. Along the river from [ILLEGIBLE: looks like "Pasaswemth"], half-way towards Kedar Ghat, people promenade the stone steps next to the Ganges. Venders. lanterns puncture the moon luminous river front. There are more venders than I have ever seen along the ghats, occupying places usually dark