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A night-time photograph of a homa ritual at a square black fire pit lined with flower petals. A seated man in white dhoti with a bare upper body and a rudraksha mala leans to tend the fire with twigs while another man in white kneels beside the pit holding a bowl and spoon of liquid. Three women in red and maroon saris sit on the left beside brass oil lamps, with a garlanded deity murti in the background. Several men in white clothes and mala necklaces stand in the background near the throne, and a standing fan and string of lights are visible.

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October 16 20102010-10-16A homa ritual at night in an ashram hall. In the foreground a man in white dhoti and shirt kneels and bows his head toward a square fire pit lined with grey stone, with flower petals scattered around it. Two women in red and maroon saris sit beside him, one holding a pink flower; a woman in a dark outfit and glasses sits at left. Behind them a man in a saffron-coloured turban and white clothes with rudraksha beads sits on a red and gold throne, with a red cushion. Several men in white dhotis and rudraksha malas stand in the background. At left, brass oil lamps with lit flames and a red and white flower garland decorate a deity murti with a wide red and purple garland. Brass plates and a vessel stand near the pit, with a priest in white pouring from a bowl at right.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesA photograph of a homa fire ritual in a temple hall with smoke rising. A figure in white dhoti and white shawl with a yellow-orange turban and gold necklaces sits on an ornate red-and-gold throne-like seat at the upper right. In front, a man lies prostrate on a white cloth near a black square fire pit with flames, while a man in white with a rudraksha mala holds a straw broom-like brush toward the flames. Women in red and orange saris sit on the floor at left, one holding a brass lamp. Several people in white and red stand behind. A deity murti decorated with a purple-and-white garland sits at far left beside brass oil lamps, and flower petals are scattered on the floor.2010-10-16A homa fire ritual in progress at an ashram. Several men in white dhoti and shawl with gold-coloured neck ornaments sit around a square fire pit, several holding ladles or offering items toward the flames. A large framed portrait of a saffron-robed figure with long hair sits on a red throne with gold trim at upper right, and a kalasha, brass lamps, red and white flower garlands and oil lamps are arranged at the left. Brass vessels of offerings and bowls of yellow flowers sit around the pit.2010-10-16 +2 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesA night photograph of a homa fire ritual in an ashram hall. A square fire pit burns brightly in the centre, with a long-handled ladle held by a bare-chested young priest on the left. Around it sit several shaved-headed priests in white dhotis and shawls, wearing gold necklaces and rudraksha-style beads, some with a ladle or metal bowls of offerings and marigold petals. Behind them stands a framed portrait of a man in saffron robes and beads seated before a golden frame on a red throne-like chair, and a brass oil lamp flame is visible beside the altar. Floral garlands and decorated deity figures fill the background. Six people are visible.2010-10-16 +2 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesA homa fire ritual is performed at night in an open ashram courtyard. A square fire pit lined with bright glowing embers sits centrally, with brass vessels, a ladle, and yellow and orange flower petals arranged around its edges. Several shaved-headed priests in white dhotis and shawls with red borders, wearing gold necklaces, sit cross-legged around the pit; one in the foreground holds a long ladle pouring an offering, while others tend trays and bowls. Behind them, a deity murti is adorned with red and white flower garlands, and a framed portrait of a figure in saffron robes and a rudraksha mala sits on a red and gold throne-like chair with a gold-trimmed back. Strings of colourful lights hang in the background.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +2 copiesNight-time photograph of a homa at a temple-style hall hung with red fairy lights. A square brick fire pit in the foreground has a bright flame, surrounded by scattered flower petals and brass vessels of offerings. A seated priest in white dhoti and shawl with a rudraksha mala feeds the fire from a silver plate, while a second priest in white bends over the pit. Behind them, women in red and maroon saris sit on the floor, one holding a brass vessel. An ornate red and gold throne stands at the right, with a man in white kneeling beside it. On the far right, a priest in saffron robes and a white turban with a gold chain stands near a painted pillar, and an elderly sannyasi with white-painted markings sits in a cushioned chair. Left of the pit are brass oil lamps, a large decorated deity murti with garlands, and a standing figure of a goddess on the left edge. Several standing men in white clothing watch from the back.2010-10-16