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A 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.

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October 16 20102010-10-16October 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 copiesA homa fire ritual at night in an open ashram courtyard. A rectangular brick-lined fire pit blazes at center with flames rising, and a brass ladle and bowls of offerings sit around it. Several shaved-headed priests in white dhotis and white shawls with red borders sit cross-legged around the pit, some with gold beaded necklaces, one raising a hand in offering. Behind them stands a red velvet throne with a gold frame holding a framed portrait of a saffron-robed man with long hair and rudraksha beads seated in a meditative pose, plus brass lamps and red and white flower garlands at left.2010-10-16 +2 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 copiesA homa ritual at night in a temple setting. A priest in white dhoti with a reddish border, seated at the left, pours an offering from a ladle into a square fire pit lined with yellow-orange brick, where a flame burns. Around the pit, several shaved-headed men in white cloth wear beaded necklaces; one holds a small bowl. Brass vessels of liquid, marigold and rose petals, and a brass lamp sit on the stone platform. Behind them, red and white flower garlands hang over a red and gold seat, and a framed portrait on the throne shows a figure in saffron robes and a mala seated in a meditative pose. The camera caption and page indicate a Chandi Homa event. Visible people: about six.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA night homa ritual at an outdoor ashram setting, with a square brick fire pit filled with glowing embers at the centre. Shaved-headed priests in white dhotis and white shawls, several wearing gold necklaces and rudraksha-style beaded malas, sit around the pit making offerings. One priest on the left, bare-chested and seated on a wooden stool, holds a long ladle over the fire; another in front pours from a brass vessel of liquid. Brass oil lamps, flower garlands in red and white, and plates of offerings sit on the floor. In the background a framed photograph shows a smiling woman in orange robes seated on a red and gold throne, and colourful fairy lights hang behind the stalls.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA night homa ritual in progress at a temple-like hall. In the foreground a priest in white dhoti and shawl with red border, bare-shouldered and wearing gold beaded necklaces, extends his arm over a square fire pit of glowing flames. Around the fire, several shaven-headed priests in white cloths with red borders and gold beaded necklaces sit cross-legged, some holding brass vessels and offerings. Brass lamps, a copper bowl of ghee or oil, marigold petals and flower garlands lie on the platform. Behind them stands a framed portrait of a figure in saffron-orange robes seated on a red throne with gold trim, and deity murtis and garlanded idols are visible at the upper left.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOutdoor homa ritual at an ashram courtyard. A square fire pit of white marble sits in the centre, smoking, with marigold petals and offerings around its edges, including brass bowls, a plate of red offering, small lamps and flowers. Several shaved-headed priests in white dhotis and white shawls with red borders sit cross-legged around it, many wearing gold-beaded necklaces. One priest in the foreground left holds a ladle over the fire, and another reads from an open book. Behind them stand carved and painted deity murtis with garlands and an orange-and-white striped backdrop. A large red and gold throne holds a framed portrait of a saffron-robed figure wearing a long mala, with a brass lamp beside it. A wooden drum-like stand is at the left edge.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copies