In the month of Phagun (February), about the time of the Holi, the
Marwaris make an image of mud naked, calling it Nathu Ram, who was
supposed to be a great Marwari. They mock at this and throw mud at
it, and beat it with shoes, and have various jests and sports. The
men and women are divided into two parties, and throw dirty water
and red powder over each other, and the women make whips of cloth
and beat the men. After two or three days, they break up the image
and throw it away. The Banias, both Jain and Hindu, like to begin the
day by going and looking at the god in his temple. This is considered
an auspicious omen in the same manner as it is commonly held to be a
good omen to see some particular person or class of person the first
thing in the morning. Others begin the day by worshipping the sacred
_tulsi_ or basil.