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Night photo of a ritual at a homa fire pit in front of colourful deity murtis and garlanded figures. In the foreground a bare-chested man in white dhoti and shawl, with a gold-beaded necklace, kneels at the fire pit and tends the offerings. Behind him a man in a light-coloured turban and white garment stands with hands together, while further back a man in white ritual clothing stands beside several young boys in white sitting on the floor. A figure in a cream turban and white garment stands beside a red-and-gold ornate throne, and an older bearded man in orange robes stands at the right edge holding a silver tray. Strings of lights and the smoke of the fire fill the background.

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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 copiesNight photograph of a ceremony at a decorated temple-style stage. In the foreground a shaven-headed man in white dhoti and shawl with a gold necklace extends his hand over a fire pit or basin edged with scattered flowers. Behind him a standing man in a cream turban, white garment and gold garland smiles and holds up a hand, while a younger man in white with a microphone speaks. Small boys in white sit on the floor by a brass oil lamp with a flame, and a seated man in white is nearby. Behind them stand a silver-decorated deity murti and goddess figures, with string lights, a red banner with script, and a red-upholstered gilded chair at right.2010-10-16 +1 copiesNight-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.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA night-time homa ritual in a decorated hall. In the foreground a priest in white dhoti with a bare upper body and sacred markings pours an offering from a vessel over a white square fire pit where a dark fire burns, with brass bowls, a ghee vessel and flower petals around it. Behind the pit stands a large ornate deity murti framed by a silver arch, surrounded by people in orange and saffron robes. On the right, a figure in white is seated on a red and gold throne, with a sannyasi in orange robes and white-streaked forehead seated beside him. Strings of red lights and hanging fabric decorate the background. Smoke fills the air.2010-10-16A night-time ritual in a decorated open pavilion with a large clay deity murti of a goddess riding a lion, adorned with white and silver decorations and flower garlands, with brass oil lamps lit in front. On the left, a shaved-headed man in white dhoti sits cross-legged before a square fire pit or homa altar with flower petals scattered around it. Behind him, several seated people in white and a standing man in white with a turban hold trays and make gestures. On the right, two standing men in saffron and orange-red robes, one with a bare chest and white body markings, join palms in reverence beside an empty cushioned chair. Hanging red and green pennants, flower decorations and twinkling lights frame the scene, with smoke rising in the background.2010-10-16A photograph of an evening Chandi Homa at an ashram pandal decorated with red and orange drapes, strings of lights and a large deity murti framed by white floral arches. A priest in a white dhoti with a red border stands at left holding a silver tray and a brass plate. In the centre, a shaved-headed priest in white with a yellow cloth kneels beside a square fire pit, offering from a small bowl, while women in red and orange saris sit nearby with brass lamps and flowers. At right, a smiling young man in a cream turban and white garment with gold ornaments sits on a red-cushioned seat with an orange cloth draped over the armrest. Marigold petals are scattered around the fire pit and a brass vessel sits on the floor.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesNight photo of a Chandi homa-style puja before a decorated deity murti of a goddess with a lion mount, surrounded by white flower garlands and decorative umbrellas and kalasha-like structures. A bearded elderly sannyasi in saffron-orange robes with a rudraksha mala, white tripundra markings on his arms and chest, and a crown-like gold headdress sits on a red throne on the right with his hands raised in blessing. A young man in white dhoti with a saffron shawl sits nearby holding a small object, while another attendant in white stands beside the throne. A boy in white kneels in prayer in the foreground beside marigold petals and offering trays, with other children in white seated behind. Strings of lights and bunting decorate the background.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA night homa in progress beside a fire pit lined with white stone and scattered flower petals. A smoking fire rises from the square pit, and brass vessels and a plate of offerings sit at its edge. A priest in white dhoti with gold necklaces sits cross-legged at the pit, while a woman in orange and red sits nearby. Behind them, several deity murti figures with garlands and red-and-gold decorations stand in the background. On the right, a man in a white robe and turban, wearing gold necklaces, sits on a red and gold throne holding a plate, and an elderly sadhu with white hair and white body markings sits in orange robes. A standing attendant in white holds an offering, and red string lights glow behind.2010-10-16