THE DIAMOND MAHARAJAH.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1926, Page 4

THE DIAMOND MAHARAJAH.

SIR HARI SINGH’S STATI BANQUET.

JAMMU (India), March 4. This gem of Kashmir lias become a city of hells which daily joyfully peal ' from its temples for the ceremonies in connection with the coronation of Sir Hari Singh, las Maharajah of Janm and Kashmir. Last week there were religious ceremonies; this week there aro special functions for European and other visitors. Among those who 'arrived to-day are the Governor of the Pttnjaub (Sir Wiliam Hailey), land the Commander of the Northern Army, the Resident at Kashmir, and the General Commanding at Lahore. Great ruling princes aro here—the Maharajahs of Alwar, Bharatpur. Dholpur, Kapurtihala, Patiala, and others All are attended by a large entourage—that of the Maharajah of Patiala numbers 80 persons. It is all a wonderful display of earthly magnificence, while the eternal snows of the Himilayas make a marvellous background. At melt public reception the new Maharajah wears different costumes, each more superb that the last. At the actual coronation lie wore clotli-of-gold. ropes of pearls, emeralds, enormous diamonds in his ears, diamond buttons, and a white aigrette which was one mass of flashing diamonds. Ho was a truly regal figure, superbly imposing. MOTOR CARS AND CAMELS. Some of the ruling princes are housed in palaces land some in shamianahs (open tents). In the tents of their entourage there are scenes resembling mediaeval jousts. At a great banquet in one shainianah there were ICXIO igucisit.s. The pillars were of solid silver amd the tent wa.s lined with pale blue silk and priceless Persian rugs. The guests wore gorgeous clothes and jewels of emperors, making a scene of dazzling splendour. The narrow streets of the town present- a quaint mixture of Eastern magnificence and Western luxury : there lure elephants, camels and luxurious motor cars. There arc also kinemas. HRTLLIA NT POT ENT’ A TF.S. JAMMU, March 6. A state banquet was hold last night at which English guests and ruling Princes met in a blue and silver sliami.uiah. There was a dazzling display of jewels and colours. The Maharajah was dressed in green and gold brocade with ropes of pearls, emeralds and diamonds. He wore a \ green pltgaree covered with diamonds. Other chiefs and followers wore rose, pink gold, silver, mauve, blue and orange brocade, with masses of jewels. The English women’s modern dress was quite overshadowed by the magnificence of the potentates. Speeches wore delivered b,v the Governor of the Punjab and the Maharajah. Nauteh girls danced and sang, and afterwards there was an amazing display of fireworks, the whole town ' mid the palaces being illuminated. To-day. there was to have been a great procession of elephants in superb trappings of gold, silver, and precious stones, but. torrential rain stopped the display. The English women were received in 1 the Zenana to-day by the Maharituc, who was veiled.