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Night-time puja in a temple hall before large colourful murtis of goddesses with garlands and red-and-pink drapes. A seated priest with bare upper body and red-tinted cloth raises his hand in blessing over a wooden stand and a brass-trimmed offering area strewn with yellow and white flowers. Several boys in white dhotis and shawls sit on a purple cloth, one holding a brass lamp. Brass oil lamps, a kalasha, fruits and coconuts fill the floor. Behind them stand a red-and-gold throne and another seated figure in white. Strings of lights decorate the backdrop.

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October 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16A night ritual photograph in a temple hall lit by string lights and oil lamps. Before a large deity murti with multiple arms, a shaved-headed priest in white ritual cloth sits on a purple cloth strewn with flowers, holding a flower and facing a wooden ritual stand. Several young boys in white dhotis sit in a row on the floor, some holding small items. Fruits, a watermelon, brass lamps and vessels surround the ritual area. Another robed figure sits to the right beside an empty ornate golden throne-like seat. Chandi homa ritual setting.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16A night-time puja in a decorated pavilion. Several large deity murtis stand on the left, including a figure with multiple arms and a lion mount beside a white-and-blue ornate arch, with a smaller murti in pink garlanded with yellow flowers. Brass oil lamps stand on the floor and a tray of fruit sits in front. Five or six boys in white dhotis, some with rudraksha malas, sit on a purple cloth near the lamps. At right, a red and gold throne stands empty behind a seated priest in white with a shaved head. An older figure in orange-brown robes sits on a white chair beside it. Fairy lights glow in the background.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16A night-time puja at a decorated shrine before a large image of goddess Durga with multiple arms, a lion mount, and garlanded deity murti. Several boys in white dhotis, some with bare chests and sacred threads, sit on a purple cloth strewn with flower petals, one holding a small offering. A bald priest in white sits at a low wooden stand with a brass lamp and a plate of fruit. Brass oil lamps, kalasha-like vessels, red and orange cloths, and fruit including watermelon and apples are arranged on the floor. Red fairy lights glow in the background, and an ornate throne-like seat stands at right with a figure seated beside it.2010-10-16Night 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 photograph of a Chandi Homa ritual held outdoors beside a deity tableau. Colourful painted deity murtis with ornate garments and garlands stand at the left, lit by string lights and brass lamps. In the centre, a white-clad priest with a shaved head sits at a square homa/yagna fire pit decorated with flower petals, gesturing with his right hand. Before him, a boy in white and a girl in a green and red dress sit near purple cloth and offerings. Behind the fire, a figure in orange and red sits on a red-cushioned throne, and another seated figure in white with a shawl sits on a white chair; their identity cannot be confirmed from appearance. Many devotees sit on the ground at right, many in red and white clothing. A banner of green leaves hangs overhead.2010-10-16 +2 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16Night photograph of a homa or yagna ritual on an orange-draped raised platform with white-and-maroon striped edging. A priest in white dhoti with a maroon-bordered cloth kneels at the right beside a wooden yoga-style seat with a golden crown-shaped top, while another man in white lies prostrate in the foreground. Several young boys in white dhotis sit on purple cloth at left, one playing a small instrument. Brass plates hold fruit, flowers, rice and vessels, and a fire pit smokes in the centre. Behind, an elaborately decorated deity murti of the goddess with multiple arms, red and gold garments and a lion vahana is lit with string lights, with a crowd seated in the background.2010-10-16A night-time homa or yagna at a temple shrine decorated with red string lights and a large ornate deity murti of a goddess in the background. In the foreground, a shaved-headed priest in white dhoti and sacred thread kneels on the left with hands folded in prayer, while a standing priest in white robes and a shawl holds a lamp or ritual implement beside a square black homa pit lined with white marble and scattered flower petals. Brass bowls, a kalasha-like vessel, fruit and oil lamps sit on the platform. Several young boys in white and seated devotees with folded hands are visible, and a canopy with fringed edging hangs above the shrine.2010-10-16