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Evening ritual at a homa fire pit before a decorated shrine with a large white-and-pink Ganesha murti and a white-plumed deity figure, strings of red lights behind. A shaved-headed priest in white dhoti with red border and a gold necklace kneels at the left pouring liquid from a silver vessel into a brass bowl, while a second white-clad priest stands on a raised platform above. Several women in maroon and red silk saris sit cross-legged in a row, one holding a small pot, along with a girl in a red sari. A brass lamp and offering bowls sit at the fire pit's edge, and an umbrella with a golden finial is visible on the right.

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October 16 20102010-10-16A night ritual at a homa pit in front of a deity shrine decorated with white and flower-garlanded idols. Two priests in white dhotis with maroon borders stand at the fire pit: one kneeling at left pours liquid from a silver vessel, while a standing priest at center raises his hands in offering. Five women in maroon and red saris sit cross-legged on a mat facing the pit, one in a white-bordered red sari at right. A pink Ganesha murti and a red-clad deity murti with flower garlands sit at right, with brass lamps, a kalasha and a peetha-style decorative frame nearby. Strings of red lights and a colourful umbrella decorate the background.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16Night-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.2010-10-16Night ritual photograph in a decorated temple hall lit by string lights. Three men in white dhotis are at a white-and-black stone platform strewn with yellow and orange petals. The kneeling man on the left in a white dhoti and gold necklace pours from a vessel. A bald man in white stands behind him holding a container aloft. On the right, a man in a white dhoti with a gold necklace and bangle holds a brass lamp over the platform. Women in red and maroon saris sit in the background. Behind them a large decorated backdrop shows a goddess murti with a lion and silver ornamentation under a canopy. Brass bowls, a bell and kalasha vessels sit on the floor. This appears to be an abhishekam or puja at a deity murti.2010-10-16Night-time homa ritual at an outdoor temple setting strung with coloured fairy lights and green bunting. A standing priest in white dhoti and bare upper body, with a rudraksha-style necklace, leans over a square fire pit filled with glowing embers and tends the fire with a long stick. Seated white-clad participants in the foreground, some with shaved heads and folded hands, watch and assist; brass trays of flowers and offerings sit near them. Behind the fire pit is a decorated shrine with a pink Ganesha deity murti, garlands of marigold and white flowers, a kalasha-style ornament and a decorated canopy.2010-10-15October 16 20102010-10-16A photograph of a ritual scene at night, lit by string lights and an oil lamp. Several women in silk saris sit on the floor in front of a carved wooden seat with a lotus-like medallion. A woman in an orange-gold sari bends forward toward the seat, and a woman in a maroon sari holds offerings. At left, two men in white dhotis with maroon borders stand, one holding a silver tray. Brass oil lamps, bowls of fruit, limes, flowers and a black stone platform sit in the foreground. Behind them stand pink and white clay murti of Ganesha and a goddess adorned with garlands. No visible person is identified as a person.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesNight ritual photograph at an ashram temple beside a large white and gold deity display with several goddess murtis dressed in red and silver, one with a crown and trident-like emblems. In the foreground a priest in white dhoti and shawl kneels at a black stone yoni-peetha platform on white steps, pouring liquid from a metal vessel onto the stone, while other priests and women in red and maroon saris stand or sit around. Brass bowls, oil lamps, a bell, flower petals and red lights frame the scene. A bald priest in white with a gold necklace holds an offering on the right. A tall striped pillar and a cloth canopy are visible.2010-10-16Night ritual photograph at an outdoor homa or yagna pit. Two shaved-headed priests in white dhotis and gold necklaces kneel and stand at a white stone fire pit (kunda) with a dark square central opening, one pouring liquid from a metal vessel. Behind them, women in red and maroon saris and sitting devotees gather beneath strings of red fairy lights. On the right, a large deity murti of a multi-armed goddess with a silver-and-white decorated arch and an umbrella canopy is set up. Brass lamps, bells, a kalasha-style pot and flower petals surround the fire pit on a white cloth.2010-10-16Night-time puja at a decorated shrine lit by oil lamps and strings of red fairy lights. In the foreground a man in white dhoti and shawl kneels at a stone platform holding a brass bowl, with a brass bell and small bowls set out. Behind him a second man in white stands pouring from a vessel. To the right, several women in red and maroon saris sit before large decorated deity murti with silver-white floral arches and a crowned figure. Marigold petals are scattered on the black stone slab. Brass lamps and a kalasha-like vessel are visible.2010-10-16