The regular village priest and astrologer, the Joshi or Parsai, is a Brahman, but the occupation has developed a separate caste.

The Joshi officiates at weddings in the village, selects auspicious names for children according to the constellations under which they were born, and points out the auspicious moment or _mahurat_ for weddings, name-giving and other ceremonies, and for the commencement of such agricultural operations as sowing, reaping, and threshing.

He is also sometimes in charge of the village temple.

He is supported by contributions of grain from the villagers and often has a plot of land rent-free from the proprietor.

The social position of the Joshis is not very good, and, though Brahmans, they are considered to rank somewhat below the cultivating castes.