The nobility were dressed according to their family status and in keeping with the festive occasion. Brahmin men wore red silk turbans embroidered with gold threads, with crescent marks in sandalwood paste glistening on their foreheads. Their heads were clean-shaven and around their necks they wore strings of black rudraksh beads and pearl necklaces. From beneath the silken shawls cascading from their shoulders peeped the yellow sacred thread of their caste. Their starched, milk-white dhotis reached the feet, brushing their sandals.

The soldierly Kshatriyas were in brilliant white costumes that were embroidered with gold thread. Under their aquiline noses their moustaches pointed upwards, like the tails of scorpions. They wore ornaments studded with diamonds in their ears, round their necks and on their arms and wrists. The upper part of their body, from the broad chest down to the narrow waist, was clad in close-fitting garments. From waist to knees, they wore dhotis, while the lower parts of their legs and feet were encased in thonged sandals. The swords that hung from their waists had diamond-studded hilts. The merchants were dressed in expensive but rather shabby clothes. The members of the Republican Council were in saffron-coloured gowns. Some of the Greek nobles had on plumed hats, with flowing, knee-length woollen gowns over loose trousers. On their feet they wore slippers. Others had adopted the Aryan dress.

The women of the nobility were dressed exquisitely. In their hair, set in different styles with the help of pearl strings, they wore crescent-shaped coronets of flowers, while chandrika¹ ornaments, necklaces, garlands, bracelets, bangles and rings bedecked their bodies. Under the flimsy stoles thrown over their shoulders, their tight bodices stretched over the swell of full-rounded breasts. Firm breasts matched firm hips accentuated by three strings of diamonds, tied to the shining navel-stud and encircling the waist. They moved to the tinkling of tiny bells strung together by girdles around their waists. Their saris spread out at the back like the tail feathers of peacocks, brushing the carpet as the women walked, and hiding from view their feet painted with red alakta² paste and covered with ornaments. The air around them was heavy with the fragrance of different flowers. Nearly all the Greek women wore the Aryan dress.

Soon the Chaitra sky lit up with the light of the moon. The light of torches fell on all sides of the arena and along the path. The illustrious Mithrodus, who had served as Commander-in-Chief during the reign of the righteous Greek king, Milinda, and had afterwards accepted the office of the President of the Republic of Madra, took his seat. Festive music and songs began. A herald, poised on the steps of the stage, announced the arrival of Devi Mallika, the Court Dancer, Light of the Town and Laureate of Art.

The concourse swayed in enthusiasm at this announcement like the sea when a strong wind blows. People craned their necks towards the western entrance. An escort of torch-bearers on horseback was followed by chariots, which in turn were followed by more mounted torch-bearers. Soon the chariots approached the pavilion, passing through the turbulent stream of people. A storm of cheers greeted the arrival of Devi Mallika. Flowers and garlands were showered on her chariot, some of which fell to the ground after barely touching its sides, while others added to the heap already formed inside. With bowed head and folded hands, eyes filled with gratitude and a smile playing on her lips, she acknowledged the greeting of the people surging on all sides as far as the eye could see. When she entered the marquee and walked towards her place of honour near the President, she acknowledged the salutations of the dignitaries. In the wake of her chariot came six more chariots, carrying the troupe of her prize pupils who were to take part in the dancing competition.