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Outdoor Chandi Homa ritual before a decorated shrine with a large seated goddess murti in red and gold, a lion beside her, and an elephant-headed deity murti at left. Several men in white dhotis and white shawls sit on a raised orange-and-white mat, tending a square fire pit with offering vessels, brass lamps, ladles and banana-leaf plates of fruit and sweets. Bundled green and red offerings lie in front, and a red-cushioned throne bearing a framed portrait stands at right. Palm trees, bunting and an orange building form the backdrop.

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October 16 20102010-10-16A photograph of a homa ritual performed outdoors before a decorated deity murti. Several men in white dhotis and white upper cloths sit in a row on white cloth around a dark square fire pit, with smoke rising from it. One priest bends forward pouring an offering into the fire, and others sit with brass vessels and plates of flowers, grains and fruit nearby. Behind them a large deity murti with a crown and a lion mount is adorned with white and gold decorations, and a red-and-gold throne holds a framed portrait of a woman in orange. Brass lamps, bananas, oranges and watermelon sit on the ground, with colorful cloth bundles and a red-and-gold ceremonial canopy overhead. Some people stand in the background near an orange building with signage.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOutdoor homa ritual at an ashram courtyard during Navaratri. Several priests in white dhotis and shawls sit on the ground around a square fire pit with flames, pouring offerings and handling ghee and grain in brass vessels. Behind them stand large colourful deity murtis, including a large goddess murti in red and white, an elephant-headed Ganesha murti with a purple garland, and several white-clad figures with garlands. Foreground tables hold steel plates of fruit, banana and orange, bundled offerings wrapped in red and green cloth, and brass lamps. Behind the priests, an empty red and gold throne holds a framed portrait of a deity. Orange buildings, palm trees and paper bunting fill the background. One priest near the centre wears a gold necklace; the central figure in the back row is partly obscured.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +2 copiesA photograph of a Chandi Homa ritual held outdoors in front of a temple-style structure with an orange wall and bunting. Several priests in white dhotis and white shawls sit on the ground around a square black fire pit (homa kund) with brass vessels, plates of fruit, rice, flowers and coconut, and small bundles wrapped in red and green cloth. Behind them stands a decorated shrine with a large deity murti of a goddess with multiple arms, holding weapons and seated on a lion, flanked by smaller figures and a pink Ganesha murti with a garland. To the right, an ornate red-and-gold throne holds a framed portrait of a seated saffron-clad figure, with a palm-lined backdrop and a kalasha-topped pole nearby. Smoke rises from the fire area.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA photograph of an outdoor ritual stage in front of a decorated deity display with large white floral backdrop, a painted goddess figure with multiple arms, a lion mount, and small figures in ornate costume. A seated man in an orange robe with orange-beaded necklaces sits on a red and gold throne at right, with several saffron-robed attendants standing behind him. In the foreground, a priest in white dhoti sits on the floor performing puja at a white platform covered with brass plates of offerings, coins, red powder, flowers and sweets, with an oil lamp at left. Two more white-clad priests assist nearby, and a few seated devotees, including girls in yellow, watch from the front edge. Green leaf garlands and colourful tassels hang overhead.2010-10-15October 15 20102010-10-15A night-time outdoor homa at a Chandi Homa ceremony. Several priests in white dhoti and shawl sit around a square fire pit with a sunken centre, pouring offerings and ghee; some wear gold necklaces and sacred thread. Behind them stand large white-framed deity murtis, including a goddess with multiple arms and a lion mount. Brass oil lamps, plates of fruit, bowls of flowers and rows of dried red chillies are arranged on the altar. Strings of lights and colourful festival banners hang in the background. On a red velvet throne with gold trim sits a framed portrait of a saffron-clad figure with long hair, labelled as a portrait rather than a physical person. Four to six priests are visible in the scene.2010-10-16 +2 copiesOctober 15 20102010-10-15 +1 copiesOutdoor ceremonial stage with a large decorated deity display behind, including a goddess murti with multiple arms and a lion mount, framed by white floral and sequined arches. Priests in white dhotis and shawls sit on a raised orange-draped platform before a white stone yagna altar and many offering plates of fruit, grains, sweets and flowers. A man in a white robe pours or offers at the altar. On the right, a figure in saffron/orange robes with a rudraksha mala and ornate gold-toned necklace sits on a red and gold throne, with saffron-clad sannyasis standing nearby. Hanging green leaves, banana-leaf decorations, and multicoloured tassels hang overhead. Several children and seated devotees watch from the front. A Kannada-language banner is visible in the background.2010-10-15Night photograph of a homa fire ritual in front of an illuminated deity murti of Durga with a lion mount, decorated with white flower and bead ornaments and garlands. Several shaved-headed priests in white dhoti and shawl, with rudraksha malas and gold necklaces, sit around a square fire pit with a bright flame, tending offerings, pouring from copper vessels and handling ritual implements. Plates of fruit, red chillies, kalasha pots and oil lamps surround them. Behind the priests, a red and gold throne holds a framed portrait of a saffron-clad figure, and string lights decorate the background.2010-10-16 +2 copiesNight-time homa ritual before a large decorated Devi murti with multiple arms and a lion mount, adorned with white and red garlands. Several men in white dhoti-style clothing with bare upper bodies and beaded necklaces sit cross-legged around a square fire pit (homa kunda) with ritual vessels, a ladle, brass lamps and plates of fruit and offerings. Behind them a framed portrait of a saffron-clad figure sits on an ornate red and gold throne. Colourful string lights and banners decorate the open courtyard.2010-10-16 +1 copies