ling out "Dam Madar, Dam Madar,"
(breath of Madar.) An order of Fakirs, called Madaria, look to this Saint
as their patron. In distant places where this feast is kept they set up an
Alam, or standard in honour of the Saint, and perform ceremonies common to
such days. The nights are spent in celebrating his praises, &c.

2. FESTIVAL OF MU'IN-UD-DIN CHISTI.[264]--The tomb of this Saint is in
Ajmir. He was a Syed descended from Husain, the son of 'Ali, and was born
in Sajistan about the year 537 A.H. His father died when he was about
fifteen years old. Soon after this he fell in with a famous Fakir, Ibrahim
Qanduzi, through whose influence he began to seek the Tariqat, or mystical
road to the knowledge of God. When he was twenty years of age he received
further instruction from the famous 'Abd-ul-Qadir Jilani. After the
conquest of Hindustan by Shahab-ud-din Ghori, Mu'in-ud-din retired to
Ajmir, where he died in the odour of sanctity 636 A.H. Pilgrimages to this
tomb have been and are very popular. Emperors and people vied with each
other in doing honour to the memory of this saint. Even Akbar, sceptic
though he was as regards orthodox Islam, made a pilgrimage to this shrine,
and offered vows that he might have a son who would live to manhood. Hindus
also visit this tomb and presents from rich men of this class are not
unusual.

3. FESTIVAL OF SALAR MAS'UD GHAZI.--There is some doubt as to the
nationality of this Saint. Some say he was a Husaini Syed, others that he
was a Pathan, and a martyr. His tomb is situated in Oude. Afsos thus
describes the {260} pilgrimage. "Once a year great crowds of people gather
from all parts. They carry red lances, and beat thousands of tambourines.
The 'Urs is held on the first Sunday of the month Jith (May-June). The
people believe that this was his wedding day, because it is said that he
had on wedding garments when he was killed. This belief once led a certain
oilman, a resident of Raduli, to send a bedstead, chair, and other marriage
presents to the shrine at this time. The custom is still kept up by the
descendants of the oilman. The common people fasten ropes to the branches
of the trees in the neighbourhood, and swing, some by the hands and some by
the heels, and assume various disguises. They thus hope to obtain what they
desire." The Hindus venerate this Saint very highly. The Musalmans look
upon him as a most sacred person, for he slew many idolatrous Hindus, and
so earned the titl