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Night-time photograph of a Chandi Homa fire ritual held outdoors under a canopy of leaves and string lights. At centre, a square homa pit lined with flower petals sits before a red and gold throne; a seated figure in white dhoti and white turban with a shawl faces the fire, and another seated figure in orange-brown robes sits on a white chair beside him, with smoke rising. Priests in white dhotis sit on the floor, one in white with a bare shaved head near the pit, and young boys in white dhotis and orange sashes sit at the left edge. Brass oil lamps, a purple cloth, fruit, rice and a tray of offerings are arranged in front. On the left stands a deity murti or decorated idol with garlands and a flower-decorated altar. A large crowd of seated devotees, many in white and colourful saris, fills the background.

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October 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +2 copiesNight outdoor ritual at a decorated puja space. Center foreground, a shaved-headed man in white dhoti and shawl sits behind a white-draped altar, his right hand raised in blessing, as a seated attendant in white clothes tends brass oil lamps and flower-strewn offerings. A boy in white dhoti sits at the left edge near a purple cloth. Behind the altar, a large red throne with gold trim holds a man in white robes, flanked by a second seated figure in saffron-orange cloth on a cream chair. An ornate deity murti with a flower garland stands at the far left under strings of red lights, and a decorated festival tent with leaf bunting hangs above. Rows of seated devotees in white and red fill the right side, facing the altar. Smoke haze and oil lamps light the scene.2010-10-16 +1 copiesNight-time homa ceremony in an open pavilion decorated with green leaf garlands, hanging cloth banners and orange-fabric canopy. In the foreground, a square fire pit lined with white marble-like border and filled with ash is flanked by brass pots, plates of offerings, a kalasha-like metal vessel and a bowl of oil. A shaved-headed priest in white clothes with a red waist cloth sits cross-legged at the pit, while another white-clad priest with a sacred thread and beaded necklace sits to the left beside a brass oil lamp. A seated figure in a white dhoti and white cloth, with a white turban and chain necklace, sits on an ornate red and gold throne at the back left. Devotees in orange and red sarees and white shirts sit in rows on the floor facing the fire pit.2010-10-16 +1 copiesNight outdoor homa ceremony beside a rectangular white-tiled fire pit with a small flame and scattered flower petals. A man in white dhoti and gold-beaded necklace tends the fire with an offering. Several young girls in red and maroon silk dresses sit on the left with flower garlands and gold jewellery. Behind them, priests in white dhotis and gold necklaces stand near a lit brass oil lamp, and offerings of fruit and sweets lie on trays. On the right, a red velvet throne with gold trim is occupied by a seated figure in white with a saffron-coloured turban and bead necklaces. Further right, a bald elderly man in saffron robes sits with a rudraksha mala, and a person in orange robes stands. Strings of coloured lights and a decorated backdrop frame the scene.2010-10-16 +1 copiesNight-time outdoor homa ceremony under a open canopy strung with green leaf garlands and hanging colourful cloth banners. A person in a white robe and white head covering sits on an ornate red and gold throne at the upper left, with a microphone-style setup nearby. In the centre, a square fire pit lined with white stone is surrounded by two priests in white dhoti with bare upper bodies and rudraksha-style neck garlands, seated on mats and performing offerings. Brass lamps, silver vessels, brass plates of grains and flowers, and a red cloth-wrapped bundle sit on the orange cloth. Several rows of seated devotees in orange, red and white clothing fill the middle and background, with a tall decorated structure at the right.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesNight photograph of a Chandi homa at an outdoor temple-like pavilion. Large painted deity murtis with golden and red garments and a lion mount stand at the left, with string lights glowing behind. In the centre, a seated priest in white dhoti and shawl performs rites at a decorated altar covered with purple cloth, flower petals, brass oil lamps, kumkum and fruit. Several boys in white ritual dhotis sit around the altar. On the right, a man in white and saffron-trimmed robes sits on a red-cushioned throne, with another figure in saffron-brown robes seated in a white chair beside him. Devotees in white sit on the floor at the right edge.2010-10-16 +2 copiesNight outdoor homa pavilion decorated with mango-leaf garlands, hanging cloth bunting and a circular golden ring motif. In the centre a fire pit burns on a low platform; a standing priest in white dhoti with red border holds an object at chest height. A large red-and-gold throne is occupied by a seated figure in white. Brass oil lamps stand on the left beside trays of bananas, limes, coconuts, turmeric and kumkum. Behind them a decorated deity murti with garlands. Several children in red and maroon outfits sit in front, and a bald man in white with a gold necklace sits on the right beside a brass vessel. Rows of seated devotees fill the background.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +2 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16