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A night ritual in an open pavilion decorated with hanging tassels, strings of lights and green leaves. At right, a bare-chested priest in white dhoti with a red-bordered shawl and yellow waist cloth holds a small bell and a silver vessel while facing a wooden stand with an offering of red apples and green limes on brass plates. Along the left, several women in maroon and red saris sit on the floor holding flowers, with petals scattered on the orange cloth. In the centre, a figure in white robes sits on a red-cushioned throne flanked by seated monks in saffron and orange. Behind them stands a large decorated deity murti with a crown, and a bright string-lit backdrop. Devotees sit in the background. Ritual setting suggests puja with offerings.

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October 16 20102010-10-16Night-time ritual on an open-air stage under a canopy decorated with red and yellow tassels and leafy garlands. A man in white dhoti with red-bordered shawl and a wooden-beaded mala stands at right holding a brass bell and a small lit lamp. Seated at left are several women in red and maroon saris and salwar, with flowers in their hands, facing the ceremony. Behind them is a large decorated deity murti with a golden crown and many figures, lit by string lights. Central fire pit and altar area holds bowls of red apples, limes, flowers and brass vessels. Behind, a red and gold throne is set up with a seated figure in saffron-colored clothing and a shaved-head priest in white nearby. Many devotees sit in rows at the back, lit by lamps and overhead lights.2010-10-16 +1 copiesNighttime homa ceremony under a open pavilion decorated with saffron-orange and white cloth banners, strings of leaves, and large circular ornaments. A standing priest on the right, with a shaved head, wears a white dhoti and shawl with red borders and a gold necklace, raising one hand in a blessing gesture while holding a small object. Beside him, a seated woman in a maroon blouse and red-and-maroon sari holds a green fruit and a pink item near a platter of fruit and flower petals. Behind them, a fire offering area with a raised altar, a kalasha-like vessel, and brass oil lamps on the left. Several white-clad priests and seated devotees in white and red attire fill the background. A large ornate gold-and-red throne chair is visible, with a robed figure seated in front of it. The scene shows fruits, brass lamps, and scattered flower petals on an orange cloth. Several people are visible, including partially seen figures in the background.2010-10-16Night-time ritual under a tent decorated with hanging ribbons and bunting. A figure in a white dhoti and white shawl, with a white head wrap, stands at the centre raising one hand in blessing, beside an ornate red and gold throne-like seat. Near them an orange-robed attendant holds a brass plate, and a second figure in orange stands nearby. Several women in red and maroon saris sit on the left before brass oil lamps, fruit, bowls of kumkum and turmeric, and marigold petals. On the right, seated devotees in white and yellow clothing sit with hands folded. A large wooden drum-like object and a decorated altar with fruit and flowers occupy the foreground, and a clay-figure tableau with fairy lights stands at the far left.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesNight-time photo of a homa/puja at an outdoor pandal. In the foreground, several young women in red and maroon sarees sit on an orange-draped low platform, one with hands held together in prayer, with fruits, flowers, brass plates and bowls laid out before them. Behind them a bare-chested priest in a white dhoti with green border pours or offers from a vessel beside a fire pit with rising smoke. Further back, a figure in orange sits on a red and gold throne near a deity murti decorated with white flower garlands. Strings of marigolds, orange triangular flags and tassel-hung poles frame the scene, with festive lights and a poster at the right edge.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16Night-time ritual photograph under an open pavilion decorated with mango-leaf strings, red and yellow triangular pennants and hanging ornamental tassels. On the left, a large decorated deity murti with a crown and multiple arms stands beside brass lamps and offerings of watermelon, bananas, green fruit, vegetables and a tray of red flowers. A woman in a maroon blouse and red-and-brown sari sits on the orange floor holding a green fruit, while a second woman in a deep red sari sits behind her. At right, a young man with a shaved head wears a white dhoti and shawl with red borders and holds ritual items in both hands, standing near a wooden drum and steel plates. Behind them, seated devotees fill the rows in the background.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16Night ritual at a Chandi Homa outdoors under a canopy. Women in maroon and red saris sit in a row on an orange-draped platform, several holding fruit and flowers, with brass plates of apples, bananas, melons and other offerings before them. Behind them a large deity murti of a goddess with multiple arms, adorned with white floral decoration, stands beside a lion vahana. A standing priest in white dhoti and shawl with maroon borders, bald-headed, holds a lit lamp or incense near a fire pit with smoke. Strings of lights, saffron pennants and a decorated ornate throne-like seat appear in the background.2010-10-16 +1 copies