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A night-time photograph of a Navaratri Chandi Homa puja under an open pavilion. On the left, a large murti of a multi-armed goddess with red garments and weapons stands beside a string of lights. In the centre, a man in a white dhoti and white head-turban stands gesturing with one hand, while a seated figure in a red-and-saffron cloth sits on a red and gold throne-like seat, and monastic men in saffron robes sit nearby. Foreground, a woman in a red-and-maroon sari holds a green fruit. Tables are laden with bananas, lemons, apples, red and yellow flowers, a watermelon, kumkum and vermilion dishes, brass lamps and a kalasha. Bunting and decorated pillars hang overhead.

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Night-time outdoor ritual at a temple-style pavilion decorated with string lights, triangular bunting and large orange ring ornaments. On the left, a large painted and decorated deity murti of a multi-armed goddess stands beside a lion figure. In the foreground, a young woman with long wavy hair wears a red blouse and a red-and-gold sari and holds a fruit. Several women in red and maroon saris sit in a row behind her with offerings arranged before them, including fruits, bananas, a watermelon, coconuts and bowls of kumkum and turmeric. At the centre, a man in white ritual clothing with a turban stands before a red velvet throne with gold trim, holding a plate. Two saffron-robed sannyasis stand nearby, one with a shaved head holding an item and another bearded figure beside him. A wooden drum and a brass lamp sit in the foreground among flower petals.2010-10-16Night-time Chandi Homa ritual under a decorated pavilion with strings of tassels and a large swirl motif. On the left, a clay murti of a goddess with multiple arms and red-and-gold garments stands beside offerings of fruit, a watermelon, bananas, coconuts, vegetables, flowers and kumkum powder on trays. In the foreground a woman in a maroon sari holds a green fruit and sits among other women in red and maroon saris also holding fruit. Behind them, a seated figure in white ritual dress and turban sits on a gold-trimmed throne, with a second robed figure in orange nearby. Strings of lights and smoke from the homa fire fill the background, and a wooden drum-like object stands on the right.2010-10-16Night-time puja inside a decorated pavilion. In the foreground a woman in a maroon and red patterned sari sits on the floor, holding a green fruit over a pile of offerings. Behind her a row of women in red, maroon and green saris sit in a line. To the left stands a large ornate murti of a goddess with multiple arms, holding weapons, with garlands and a lion beside her, surrounded by marigold garlands. Fruits, bananas, a watermelon, flower petals and kumkum are arranged on a long table. On the right a seated figure in white sits on a gold-trimmed throne, with a bare-chested figure in saffron beside a wooden drum. Bunting and string lights hang overhead.2010-10-16Night-time photograph of a Chandi homa ritual under a decorated pandal. On the left, a painted deity murti of a multi-armed goddess with raised weapons stands beside a lion, with a red-and-gold lit backdrop and fairy lights. In the foreground a young woman in a maroon-and-red sari holds a green fruit, seated behind a spread of fruits, bananas, a watermelon, coconuts and kumkum on a purple cloth. Several women in red and maroon saris sit in a row offering fruit. In the centre-right, a figure in white dhoti and white shawl with a white head wrap stands before a red and gold throne, while an ascetic in saffron robes and an older bare-chested priest with a white head covering officiate near a wooden ritual drum and brass vessels with flowers and fruit. Festive bunting and garlands hang overhead.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesNight festival ritual under an open pavilion decorated with hanging tassels, bunting and leaf garlands. On the left, a large deity murti with multiple arms and red garments stands beside a table of fruit offerings including watermelon, bananas, apples and limes. A woman in a maroon blouse and red-and-cream saree sits cross-legged, holding a fruit, while other women in colourful sarees kneel beside her. In the centre, a priest in white dhoti and shawl stands near a wooden stand and a red-cushioned seat, and a saffron-robed figure is seen behind him. On the right, a bald man in white dhoti with a red border stands holding an object, and a seated crowd watches. Scattered petals, kumkum and offering plates cover the orange floor.2010-10-16Night ritual scene under a canopy at an ashram. In the foreground a young woman in a maroon and rust sari with a red blouse sits and holds a green-and-pink lotus or flower, with a row of women in saris seated behind her. At left stands a large colourful deity murti with a crown, raised arms and a lion mount, surrounded by white floral decoration and garlands. Plates of fruit, including watermelon, bananas, limes and red tomatoes, sit on the floor with kumkum, marigold petals and oil lamps. In the centre a man in white dhoti and white shawl with a white turban stands before a red and gold throne, and to his right a saffron-robed figure with a shaved head stands with hands joined. A bare-chested priest with a shaved head and a sacred thread stands at the right, and a man in white clothes holding a tray stands at the far right edge. Hanging red pennants and a golden ring decoration hang from the canopy.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16Night-time Navaratri puja in a temple hall decorated with strings of lights and hanging bunting. On the left, large festive deity figures (goddess murtis with raised arms and garlands) stand above fruits, melons, bananas and a pile of vermilion. A young woman in a maroon top and a reddish-brown patterned sari sits cross-legged in the foreground, holding a green fruit or coconut-like offering. Several other women in red, maroon and green saris sit behind her among offerings. On the right, a red-and-gold ornate throne holds a seated figure, with a wooden drum-like instrument and brass lamps nearby. Flowers and rice scatter the floor and fruit plates are arranged along the table.2010-10-16