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Night-time homa ceremony in front of a large white and silver goddess murti of Durga riding a lion, with garlands of red flowers. In the foreground a bare-chested man in a white dhoti with a white shawl leans over a square fire pit with a dark centre, smoke rising, scattered flower petals on the white stone rim. Behind him a man in a white dhoti and shawl and a young boy in white sit before the murtis; a man in white stands at a microphone, and a figure in white with a yellow-orange head wrap holds an object. A man in saffron robes stands at right beside an empty red and gold throne, and strings of lights and a flag banner decorate the background. Brass lamps and bowls sit on the stone in front.

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October 16 20102010-10-16Night-time photograph of a Chandi Homa ritual at an outdoor ashram pandal. A large white-and-silver decorated frame surrounds a Devi murti with multiple arms, red-and-white garlands and a lion mount beside her. In the foreground, a priest in white dhoti kneels before a square homa fire pit emitting smoke, with brass bowls, a kalasha and marigold petals on the white platform. Behind, a seated group of young boys in white garments sits on the floor, and a man in white holds a microphone while standing near a red-and-gold throne. On the right, an ascetic in saffron-orange robes with a white-bearded face and rudraksha mala holds a brass tray. Strings of lights and a hanging lantern decorate the backdrop.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesA night-time homa ritual before a large deity murti of a goddess with multiple arms, decorated with white floral backdrop and a canopy above. In the foreground, a priest in white dhoti and shawl raises his arm beside a square fire pit with a dark ash surface, brass pots, oil lamps and scattered flowers. Smoke rises through the frame. Seated to the right, a man in white with a yellow shawl and bead necklace sits on a red and gold throne-like chair holding a tray, while beside him a man in orange robes with white markings on his arms and forehead sits on a cushion. Several other seated figures in orange and red clothing face the fire, and string lights glow in the background.2010-10-16Night-time ritual photograph inside a decorated hall with a large elaborate deity murti of a goddess with a crown, lion mount and silver halo at left, and small figures seated near it. A man in white dhoti with white ash on his body sits cross-legged before a black stone yajna or homa fire pit strewn with petals and flanked by brass vessels and oil lamps. Standing at right, a man in orange robe and a bare-chested man in red-brown dhoti with white markings hold their palms together in prayer near a throne-like seat. A bearded man in white with an orange turban stands holding a silver tray. Smoke rises and strings of lights glow in the background.2010-10-16Night photograph of a Chandi Homa ritual at an ashram shrine. A standing priest in white dhoti and shawl, with a rudraksha-style necklace, holds a flaming lamp over the fire pit area near a white-tiled raised altar. Seated priests in white clothes and bead necklaces are at left and right, with a shaved-head devotee in white at the right edge. Behind the altar are large colourful deity murtis, including a multi-armed goddess with a lion and a Ganesha figure, decorated with white and silver tinsel-like ornamentation, marigold garlands and an ornate umbrella. Strings of fairy lights, hanging coloured cloth decorations and a tiled floor with flower petals complete the scene. Several young boys in white sit in the background.2010-10-16 +2 copiesA 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.2010-10-16Night-time homa at a temple courtyard before a large decorated deity murti of a goddess with multiple arms holding weapons, with a figure of Ganesha and smaller images nearby. A priest in white dhoti and white upper cloth with a turban stands at a fire pit holding a lamp, while other priests in white with rudraksha-style necklaces stand with hands folded behind him. A man in white kneels in the foreground beside the fire pit. Brass oil lamps, fruit, sweets and offerings are arranged on orange cloth, and string lights and hanging festival decorations frame the scene.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA night ritual inside a decorated temple hall with a large deity murti of a goddess, surrounded by smaller painted clay-style figures and white floral halo arches. In the foreground a priest in white dhoti with a bare upper body and a gold garland kneels beside a black square fire pit (homa kunda) on a white stepped platform, with flower petals and brass vessels nearby, and brass oil lamps and bells on the left. A child in white sits near the left lamp. Standing at right, a man in saffron robes with a bare torso and white body markings holds his hands in añjali, while another standing figure in white wears a yellow turban and holds a tray. Red and gold hangings and string lights decorate the background.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA night puja at a temple-like hall decorated with orange cloth, leaf garlands, paper lanterns and fringed umbrellas. At centre stands a large white-framed goddess murti with many arms, a lion mount beneath her. In front, a white altar holds a small fire and oil lamps. A priest in white dhoti with a gold necklace kneels and tends the fire while another priest in white stands behind him. A seated elderly man in saffron-orange robes with a turban and white beard sits in a cushioned chair at right, hands folded in reverence, next to an attendant in orange. Several young girls in red and gold dresses sit near the altar and small children in white shirts and dark clothing watch from the foreground. Visible printed banner text on the right wall.2010-10-16 +1 copiesNight ritual inside a decorated hall at a person ashram during Navaratri or Dasara worship. A large deity murti of a goddess with multiple arms, lion mount and ornate white and silver backdrop dominates the left, flanked by smaller figures and a canopy. In the centre, a young man in white dhoti and shawl kneels at a square white homa or puja platform with brass vessels, flower petals and a small oil lamp. Behind him, a man in white with a turban holds a brass plate, and an older man with white beard and white body markings in orange-red cloth stands at right beside a red and gold throne-like seat. Several boys in white sit on the floor, and string lights and incense smoke fill the room.2010-10-16