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Night photo of a Chandi homa-style puja at an ashram temple. In the foreground a woman with long wavy dark hair in a maroon blouse and rust-red sari sits cross-legged holding a pink lotus, with fruit and flowers before her. Behind her several women in maroon and deep red saris sit in a row holding offerings. Above them, a large deity murti with a white-and-silver decorated backdrop shows multi-armed goddesses holding weapons, and a figure in a red and pink sari with a green-and-yellow garland stands to the left. Strings of red lights glow in the background. On the right a man in white dhoti and shawl stands near a golden-edged seat, and an elder in white sits beside a gold-framed platform. Marigold petals and scattered flowers cover the floor, and a tray of red apples and a watermelon sit nearby. A wooden drum-like object lies on the right.

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October 16 20102010-10-16A night-time puja in a temple hall lit by strings of red lights and small oil lamps. In the foreground, a young woman with long dark wavy hair wears a maroon sari with gold border and holds a pink fruit in her hands. Several women in red, maroon and gold saris sit in a row on an orange cloth-covered platform behind her, some holding fruits. At the lower right, a man in a white dhoti with maroon border lies prostrate on the floor before trays of apples, limes and rice. A wooden ornamental seat with a gold-trimmed arch stands at right, and colourful goddess murtis with garlands fill the background.2010-10-16 +1 copiesNight photograph of a Navaratri-style puja at an ashram pandal decorated with large white and gold sculpted deity murtis, including a multi-armed goddess figure with a lion, an elephant-headed Ganesha in pink, and other standing deities garlanded in marigolds. Several women in red and maroon silk saris sit on the floor with pink lotus flowers in their hands, while a shaved-headed priest in white sits in front of a wooden stand with brass lamps, bowls and offerings. On the right, an ornate gold-and-red throne holds a seated figure in white, and a man in white with a gold chain sits beside it. Red string lights and oil lamps glow in the background.2010-10-16 +1 copiesNight-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 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16Night-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.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesNight-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.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesNight ritual in an outdoor temple pavilion lit by warm string lights and a bright floodlight. Central deity murti of a goddess with multiple arms, draped in red and orange garments and garlanded with flowers, stands on a lion-shaped base beside a large white decorated arch. To the left, an elephant-headed deity figure with pink skin and red garland stands among other murtis and umbrellas. In the foreground, several women in red and maroon silk saris sit cross-legged on a floor covered with flower petals and offerings, some holding flowers. Brass oil lamps and a kalasha-like vessel sit on the mat. A man in white sits with a drum-like instrument at lower right. On the right, a gilded red throne holds a seated man in white clothing with a turban and gold necklace, while attendants in white stand nearby. Smoke rises in the background.2010-10-16 +2 copies