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A temple puja scene before a large multi-armed deity murti of Durga with a red-and-gold figure on a lion-like mount, flanked by additional goddess figures in white and red adornments. In the foreground a shaved-headed priest in white dhoti and white shawl kneels at a low white altar, pouring offerings from a small vessel, with a small silver-and-red decorated image on a peetha. Oil lamps burn on brass stands, and a standing attendant in white dhoti holds a lit lamp. Three young girls in red and maroon saris sit to the right, with garlands of flowers and marigold petals scattered on the altar. Dried twigs and offering plates lie in front.

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A photograph of a Navaratri puja at a temple shrine with large durga-style deity murtis behind, one with multiple arms holding weapons and garlanded with red and white flowers. Lit oil lamps stand on a white platform. A bare-chested man in white dhoti with a gold chain performs aarti, while a white-clad priest in white dhoti and shawl sits cross-legged on the floor, extending his hand over an offering. A man in white dhoti stands at left holding a lamp. Several girls in maroon and red saris, with flower garlands, sit nearby watching. Marigold petals and a tray of incense sticks lie on the floor. Decorative white silver-like arches frame the deities. No one present is clearly identifiable as a person from appearance cues.2010-10-16A photograph of a Devi puja at a temple shrine with large painted and sculpted goddess images behind, including a lion-mounted multi-armed Durga figure and a white-clad goddess murti garlanded in yellow flowers. Seated on the floor in the foreground, a bare-chested priest in a white dhoti with a yellow border and gold chains gestures toward brass oil lamps and a stand of offerings. Three young girls in red and maroon saris with jewelry sit beside him, one holding an orange. At right, an older man with white-marked bare torso and a saffron-orange garment performs a gesture near a red-cushioned seat, and a standing figure in orange robes is partly visible at the edge. Scattered flower petals, plates of ash-like material and a silver tray lie on the mat. Four to five visible people, seated devotees and priests in ritual dress.2010-10-16Night 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-time homa at a temple shrine with a large white square fire pit where flames rise from the centre. A shaven-headed priest in white dhoti and gold necklace sits at left with hands pressed together in prayer, beside a brass tray and bowls. Another priest in white dhoti with a yellow cloth sits at right, facing the fire. Several young girls in maroon and red outfits sit around the altar. Behind them stand large white-and-silver decorated murti figures of a goddess with multiple arms holding weapons atop a lion, along with Ganesha and other deities under ornate parasols. Strings of coloured lights glow in the background, and flower petals are scattered on the altar.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA Chandi Homa ritual at an ashram shrine before a large deity murti of Durga with multiple arms holding weapons, surrounded by white floral and lace-like decorations. A man in a white dhoti and white cloth at the top of the frame, bare-chested with a thin shawl, stands at left offering a fruit onto a fire-pit or offering table lined with white stone steps, while a young girl in a red and gold dress reaches to place an orange. Another girl in a red outfit sits at right, and a seated priest in white dhoti with a yellow cloth, bare-chested, tends the offerings with dried sticks and flowers in brass plates. Brass oil lamps, flower garlands and marigold petals fill the foreground, and a figure in orange at far right is partly visible.2010-10-16 +1 copiesPhotograph of a Navaratri puja before a multi-armed Durga murti with a lion mount, flanked by a white lacework backdrop and a goddess figure garlanded in yellow flowers. A bald priest in white dhoti and white shawl sits on the floor with an oil lamp, marked with an ash-white forehead, while a second devotee in orange-pink dhoti with white tripundra sits on a white cushioned seat with folded hands. Four young girls in maroon and red traditional dress sit beside them holding oranges and fruit, and a metal kalasha and brass lamp are placed on the floor. Small peetha stands, scattered flower petals and a red and green umbrella canopy frame the altar.2010-10-16Night photograph of a homa fire ritual in progress beside a decorated shrine. A square white fire pit sits at centre with a dark ash-covered base and scattered flower petals on its steps. A bare-chested priest in white dhoti stands at left, holding a silver vessel and pouring or offering toward the fire, while another priest in white at left edge pours with his arm extended. A seated man in white dhoti with a yellow cloth at the waist feeds sticks into the fire pit. Behind them, two women in orange and red saris sit on a mat. The backdrop shows large framed deity murti of goddess forms decorated with white and silver ornaments, a fringed canopy, and strings of red fairy lights. Smoke rises through the frame, and brass lamps and kalasha-style vessels sit on the mat in front. A figure in white robes stands at far right reading from a book.2010-10-16 +1 copiesNight-time homa ritual under a temporary pandal with a tiled roof and hanging festive lights. At the centre, a bald priest in white dhoti and shawl pours from a brass vessel over a white fire-altar platform, with brass bells, a bowl and a small lamp set before him. Another white-clad priest kneels and assists beside a sprinkle of petals. Behind, women in red and maroon saris sit in rows, several wearing gold jewellery. Above the altar stand large decorated deity murti, adorned with white floral garlands and an umbrella canopy. Scattered wood sticks lie on the white cloth in the foreground.2010-10-16A 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.2010-10-16A night-time photograph of a Chandi homa in a decorated hall. A bald priest in white dhoti and shawl with a red-and-gold border kneels at a white and black square fire pit, pouring ghee with a ladle over the offerings while flowers lie on the pit's edge. Another priest in white stands at left, raising a brass vessel toward the fire. Behind them stands a large decorated deity murti with a canopy, flanked by smaller murtis and garlanded figures; several women in red and orange saris sit nearby. At right, a man wearing a cream-and-saffron turban, white garment and long gold necklace smiles while seated on a red and gold throne-like chair. Strings of lights and a brass plate sit in the foreground.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copies