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A night-time ritual photograph at an open-sided pavilion. On the left, a large decorated deity murti of a goddess in red and gold stands behind a table laden with fruit, bananas, a watermelon, kumkum and brass oil lamps. In the centre, a woman in a maroon and red sari sits on the floor placing an apple among offerings. On the right, a shaved-headed young man in white dhoti and shawl with red borders stands with palms joined in prayer. Behind them, figures in white sit near a fire pit with smoke rising, and hanging tassels, leaf garlands and strings of marigolds decorate the ceiling.

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October 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16Night 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 outdoor ritual under a tarpaulin canopy strung with red and yellow bunting, paper lanterns and leaf garlands. At left a large decorated deity murti with multiple arms and a red-and-gold figure stands beside a lion-mount and marigold-like flowers, lit by fairy lights. A woman in a maroon top and pink-red sari sits in front of offering trays of fruit, including green apples, bananas, watermelon and red tomatoes, holding a fruit. Behind her several women in saris sit in a row. In the centre a figure in white with a red-bordered shawl and white cap raises one hand from a red-cushioned throne-like seat, with a saffron-robed attendant standing nearby. At right a shaven-headed man in white dhoti with red border stands holding a small vessel. A large wooden pot-like vessel and brass plates sit on the ground and a seated attendant tends the ritual items. A crowd of devotees watches from the right in the dark.2010-10-16Night-time puja at a temple pavilion with large Durga murti figures on the left, a deity with a crown, garlands and multiple arms among them, one holding a sword. A young girl in a red and gold sari sits cross-legged on a purple cloth before a tray of fruits and offerings. On the right a priest in white dhoti with a red border stands at a homa fire, smoke rising, while another white-clad man in a yellow dhoti kneels at a wooden drum-like stand. A large red and gold throne-like chair sits in the centre, with brass oil lamps, a kalasha, banana and fruit offerings, and a watermelon in the foreground. Bunting and hanging om motifs decorate the ceiling. Many seated devotees fill the lower right.2010-10-16Night-time ritual at an open-air pandal during a Chandi Homa. In the foreground a woman in a maroon and red sari sits on the floor arranging fruit and flowers on a red cloth beside a tray of tomatoes, watermelon, bananas and green fruit. To the right a shaven-headed priest in white dhoti and shawl with red borders stands holding a small item and offering. Behind them several white-clad participants sit before a fire pit with smoke rising, and a large deity murti with red and gold garments stands on the left beside brass oil lamps. Strings of marigold garlands and triangular banners hang from the roof frame, with a crowd seated in the background.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16Night-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 outdoor ritual at a pandal decorated with a large deity murti of a goddess in red and pink with a crown, lion mount, and tall garlands. In the foreground several young women in red and orange saris sit on a purple cloth with fruit, bananas, a watermelon, and brass plates of offerings. On the right a man in white ceremonial clothes with a red-bordered shawl performs a homa or puja beside a large wooden drum and a tall smoking fire vessel, while others in white sit nearby and a crowd watches. A hanging kalasha-style ornament and bunting decorate the canopy, and a red throne-like seat stands in the background.2010-10-16Night-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.2010-10-16Night outdoor puja at a covered open-air pavilion with a large painted deity murti on the left, depicting a multi-armed goddess in red and blue, flanked by fruit offerings and marigold petals. A woman in a maroon and rose sari sits in front of platters of bananas, watermelon, apples and tomatoes. In the centre, a shaved-headed man in white dhoti and shawl stands near a wooden stand with a red-cushioned throne behind it, while a monk in saffron robes stands by the throne. A man in white pours or offers from a vessel near a large wooden kalasha-like object. Background shows rows of seated devotees, hanging bunting and an Om symbol arch. Strings of lights and a Dasara-style setting are visible.2010-10-16