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Night-time homa at an open ashram stage. A large fire blazes in a black square fire pit with white stepped edges, scattered with marigold petals, small oil lamps, brass vessels and a copper dish. A priest in white dhoti and shawl with a white-and-maroon border sits at the front, holding an offering over the flames. Behind him, a figure in an orange robe and white turban sits on a gold-framed red throne, and another figure in orange-saffron robes sits nearby. Several devotees in white and red clothes sit to the left, and a deity murti with garlands and a flower-decorated altar stands at the left edge. Red string lights and festive banners hang in the background.

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Night-time homa at a fire pit on a white-tiled platform strewn with flower petals. A shaven-headed priest in a white dhoti and cloth with a maroon-and-white border pours or tends a flame from a brass vessel, with a copper plate of offerings beside him. Brass lamps, a kalasha-style pot, and small brass bowls with flowers sit at the platform edge. Behind, a figure in white robes and a shawl sits on a red-and-gold throne-like seat, with a seated attendant beside him; several white-clad and saffron-clad people sit or stand in the background. Women in red saris sit to the left near a decorated deity murti with garlands, and red string lights hang in the background.2010-10-16A night-time homa at a square fire pit lined with white stone and scattered flower petals, with a bright orange fire burning inside. A shaven-headed priest in white dhoti and shawl with a gold necklace pours an offering from a brass bowl into the fire, while another priest in white with a red-striped cloth kneels at right holding a silver plate of offerings. Seated on a gold-framed red throne at the back, a figure in white robes with a white turban and beads observes, and a man in orange robes sits in a cream armchair at right. Women in red and maroon saris sit at left beside a decorated deity murti garlanded with white and red flowers, and brass oil lamps and kalasha vessels surround the fire pit under strings of red lights.2010-10-16Night photograph of a homa fire ceremony in a temple hall decorated with string lights and a painted deity backdrop. A square fire pit with glowing flames is the central focus, surrounded by flower petals, brass pots and small oil lamps. A young priest in a bare chest and orange cloth with rudraksha mala sits at the pit, holding a ladle over a brass bowl. Another priest in white dhoti with a red-striped shawl and gold necklace holds a tray of offerings. Behind them, a man in white robes and a crown-like headwear sits on a red and gold throne, with a second man in saffron clothes to the right. Several women in red and orange saris sit to the left near a red-garlanded deity figure. Other white-clad devotees stand in the background.2010-10-16A night homa in progress beside a fire pit lined with white stone and scattered flower petals. A smoking fire rises from the square pit, and brass vessels and a plate of offerings sit at its edge. A priest in white dhoti with gold necklaces sits cross-legged at the pit, while a woman in orange and red sits nearby. Behind them, several deity murti figures with garlands and red-and-gold decorations stand in the background. On the right, a man in a white robe and turban, wearing gold necklaces, sits on a red and gold throne holding a plate, and an elderly sadhu with white hair and white body markings sits in orange robes. A standing attendant in white holds an offering, and red string lights glow behind.2010-10-16A night-time homa at an outdoor ritual space. In the foreground, a square fire pit with bright orange flames sits on a white platform strewn with petals. A bare-chested priest in a white dhoti kneels at the fire, holding a brass bowl, while a second man in white and a striped cloth stands beside him holding a small brass vessel. Behind them, a figure in white stands near a gilded red throne, and a man in saffron/orange robes sits in a white chair with his hands together. Brass lamps, a garlanded image and a row of women in red saris are at left, and a string of red lights glows in the background. Smoke drifts through the scene.2010-10-16Night photograph of a homa fire ritual in an open courtyard. A square brick fire pit with a lit flame sits on a white-cloth platform strewn with flower petals. A man in a white dhoti with a yellow-orange head wrap stands at the pit pouring an offering, while a shaved-headed priest in white dhoti with red borders and a gold-bead garland holds a brass plate. Another attendant in white with a garland stands at right beside a carved wooden stand, and ceremonial lamps and brass vessels sit at the front. Seated devotees in white and colourful clothing watch from the left under a leafy garland-decorated canopy, with a large red flower garland visible at lower right.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +2 copiesNight-time homa at an outdoor ritual space under strings of coloured lights. A priest in orange with an orange turban and white body markings sits before a fire pit lined with yellow cloth, pouring offerings into the flames. Around him, several men in orange or white dhotis stand and sit, handling brass vessels, a tray of red flower petals and a plate of white grains. On a raised gold throne with a red cushion, a seated figure in a maroon robe and rudraksha mala receives the ritual. A standing attendant in white dhoti and bare chest with a long garland stands at the right beside a floral-decorated altar. Colourful striped mats cover the ground.2017-04-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesA night homa at an open-air ritual site: a large fire blazes in a stone fire pit surrounded by brass bowls, trays of flowers, fruit and coconut offerings. Seated in the foreground, a priest in a white dhoti and a shawl over his shoulders sits beside a bearded officiant wearing orange clothing, red and orange garlands and a rudraksha mala, who holds a ritual vessel. Behind them, rows of seated devotees in white and saffron-coloured clothes fill the courtyard. On the left, a golden throne with a red cushion holds a framed portrait of a figure in orange clothing and red garlands; the portrait is a depiction and no appearance-based identification is made. Marigold garlands decorate the foreground.2016-04-03Night photograph of a homa fire ritual in an open courtyard. A standing priest in white dhoti and shawl, wearing a beaded necklace and gold bracelet, holds a lit oil lamp over a square fire pit burning with bright flames. Several seated priests in white clothes and beaded necklaces surround the pit; some have shaved heads and some hold their palms together. Bundles of tall dried sticks rise beside the fire, with brass plates, bowls and offerings of fruit, flowers and marigold garlands nearby. Strings of coloured lights hang behind, with a decorated pillar and a red-and-white painted wall at the back.2010-10-16