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Night puja at an outdoor pandal before a large colourful clay deity murti with multiple raised arms holding weapons, seated on a lion mount, decorated with flower garlands. In the foreground a young woman in a maroon blouse and red-and-gold sari sits cross-legged on a mat facing the altar, with other women in red and green saris seated in a row behind her, and fruits, kumkum, watermelon and bananas displayed on trays. Behind them an orange-robed attendant stands beside a bare-chested priest in a white dhoti and white head cloth who holds a brass plate and offers a ritual flame near a red-cushioned seat and a wooden stand. Strings of string lights, bunting and orange drapes frame the canopy.

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October 16 20102010-10-16Night-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.2010-10-16Night-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 ritual at a temple pavilion during Navaratri. On the left stands a large decorated deity murti of a goddess with multiple arms holding weapons, framed by white floral decoration and red fairy lights. In front, rows of women in saris sit on the floor with fruit, including green and yellow fruits, and offerings like watermelon, bananas, lemons and kumkum-coloured powder arranged on purple cloth. A young woman in a maroon sari in the foreground holds a green fruit. In the background, a robed man in white with a head wrap stands beside a red and gold throne, holding a plate, while another man in orange robes and a man in saffron-brown clothing stand nearby. Brass vessels, flowers and a wooden drum-like stand sit on the floor.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesNight 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.2010-10-16Night-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.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16A 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.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +2 copies