Like the Mahars, the Balahis must not kill a dog or a cat under pain
of expulsion; but it is peculiar that in their case the bear is held
equally sacred, this being probably a residue of some totemistic
observance. The most binding form of oath which they can use is by
any one of these animals. The Balahis will admit any Hindu into the
community except a man of the very lowest castes, and also Gonds
and Korkus. The head and face of the neophyte are shaved clean, and
he is made to lie on the ground under a string-cot; a number of the
Balahis sit on this and wash themselves, letting the water drip from
their bodies on to the man below until he is well drenched; he then
gives a feast to the caste-fellows, and is considered to have become
a Balahi. It is reported also that they will receive back into the
community Balahi women who have lived with men of other castes and
even with Jains and Muhammadans. They will take food from members of
these religions and of any Hindu caste, except the most impure.