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A night-time photograph of a Navaratri puja at a temple-like stage decorated with green leaf garlands and string lights. A large white-and-silver decorated deity murti of the goddess stands at the back, with a lion mount and a row of smaller decorated figures. In front, a bald priest in a white dhoti and white shawl raises his right arm and holds a brass vessel, while another white-clad attendant in a yellow-trimmed dhoti kneels nearby. A bare-chested man with white-painted markings on his torso sits on the right beside a white armchair, and young girls in red and gold clothes stand in the background. Brass lamps, a bowl and flower petals rest on the white steps of the altar, with a sheet-draped platform in the foreground.

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Night photograph of a Devi puja at an outdoor stage. A large goddess murti with many arms, dark flowing hair and a lion mount stands at the centre, framed by white floral arches, garlands and a canopy of green leaves. Several smaller murtis flank her. In the foreground a bare-chested priest in white dhoti holds a brass vessel and raises one arm toward the altar. Another white-clad priest kneels at the platform, and a seated man in orange robes with white markings sits to the right, his palms together. Young girls in red and maroon clothes sit among the worshippers, and oil lamps and brass vessels stand on the white platform steps, with flower petals scattered across the cloth.2010-10-16Night ritual before a large decorated deity murti of Durga, a goddess with multiple arms holding weapons, framed by a white floral arch and silver-and-pink decorations. Several priests in white dhotis and bare upper bodies stand and kneel on a white-and-orange platform, one holding a brass vessel and another raising a hand; a seated priest with ash-marked body makes offerings. Women in red and maroon saris sit in rows behind, oil lamps burn on the altar, and string lights and leafy garlands hang overhead. A man in a saffron-orange dhoti and white turban sits on the right beside a white chair, marked with white ash on his body, participating in the puja.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesA night puja at a decorated shrine with a large deity murti of a goddess seated on a lion, framed by white floral arches and a garland-draped figure. A fire pit with burning flame sits on white tiered steps in front. Several priests in white dhotis, one in a yellow cloth, perform the ritual; one standing priest in white holds a vessel toward the fire. Young girls in red and maroon dress sit near the shrine. At right, a seated elderly man in a saffron-orange robe with white-striped forehead and arm markings sits with hands joined, beside a person in a white turban and another in white. Hanging mango leaves, lanterns and brass oil lamps decorate the scene.2010-10-16A photo of a night-time puja before a large decorated deity murti of a goddess with multiple arms, backed by a silver-bordered halo and flanked by smaller murtis and ornamental canopies. Several priests in white dhotis and shawls perform rituals on a raised white platform: one kneels with a brass vessel and lamp, another in white stands holding offerings, and a third sits at the front. Young girls in red and maroon dresses sit on the floor, and leafy green garlands hang across the ceiling. An older man in saffron and white sits at the right edge, possibly a person given the shaved head and saffron wrap, but appearance is uncertain.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 15 20102010-10-15A night homa or puja at a decorated temple stage. At the centre stands a large goddess murti with a lion mount, backed by a white floral arch and a painted blue figure. A fire pit with a lit flame sits in front on white steps, surrounded by yellow and white flower petals and brass vessels. A bare-chested priest in white dhoti and shawl stands at left, raising one hand and holding a small brass bowl. A seated man in white dhoti and yellow cloth sits cross-legged before the fire. At right, a white-haired priest with white body markings and orange cloth sits with hands folded, and several young girls in red and maroon saris sit along the stage. Garlands hang from the ceiling and marigolds decorate the backdrop. Audience members' heads are visible at the bottom edge.2010-10-16A photograph of a puja at a decorated shrine. A large deity murti of a goddess with many arms, holding weapons, dominates the center, framed by a white ornate arch and flanked by smaller murtis and a Ganesha figure. Two priests in white dhotis, one bare-chested, stand and kneel at a white offering platform holding a brass vessel, while a third priest sits beside them. Several young girls in red and maroon dresses sit near the shrine. Brass oil lamps, a kalasha, and a tiered brass lamp sit on the platform, with mango leaves strung across the top and a fringed canopy above. On the right, a man in orange robes and white hair sits with hands folded in namaskar, and a white-clad attendant stands nearby.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copies