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A night-time puja before a large white-and-silver decorated deity murti of a multi-armed goddess holding weapons, with a red-and-gold ornate background and string lights above. Five men in white dhoti and shawl-style garments sit or stand on a white cloth, handling a red cloth draped over the murti. Brass plates hold red flower petals, fruit and offerings, and oil lamps burn in front. The scene appears to be a Chandi Homa-related worship, with the bare-bodied men in white ritual dress performing the service. Two additional deity figures stand to the right beneath a colourful umbrella.

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October 16 20102010-10-16A night-time photograph of a Chandi Homa puja at an ashram. Several shaven-headed priests in white dhoti and cloth draped over the upper body sit and stand on a raised platform. One priest in a white garment holds a brass tray while another in white pours or offers a red cloth toward a large deity murti of the goddess Durga, shown with multiple arms and holding weapons, seated on a lion. The murti is framed by white floral decoration and an umbrella canopy. Strings of coloured lights and green leaf garlands hang overhead. Brass and steel plates of red offerings, fruit, flowers and puja items are arranged on the cloth in front. Other deity murtis and decorated umbrellas stand to the right.2010-10-16 +1 copiesEvening ritual on a raised platform before a large white-framed deity murti of a goddess with multiple arms, holding weapons and seated on a lion, decorated with garlands and flanked by smaller painted and ornate figures and umbrellas. Several priests in white dhotis and shawls with gold neck ornaments and sacred threads sit or stand around offering trays and brass lamps. One priest in a white shirt and yellow cloth holds a tray while another drapes a red cloth near the murti. Plates of red flowers, fruit and sweets are arranged on the platform, and strings of leaves and coloured lights decorate the orange-walled setting. This appears to be a puja or homa with offerings.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 15 20102010-10-15A night-time photograph of a Navaratri puja at a temple-like stage decorated with green leaf garlands and string lights. A large white-and-silver decorated deity murti of the goddess stands at the back, with a lion mount and a row of smaller decorated figures. In front, a bald priest in a white dhoti and white shawl raises his right arm and holds a brass vessel, while another white-clad attendant in a yellow-trimmed dhoti kneels nearby. A bare-chested man with white-painted markings on his torso sits on the right beside a white armchair, and young girls in red and gold clothes stand in the background. Brass lamps, a bowl and flower petals rest on the white steps of the altar, with a sheet-draped platform in the foreground.2010-10-16Night photograph of a puja ceremony under a canopy strung with lights and bunting. Several shaven-headed priests in white dhotis sit cross-legged on a mat in front of a decorated deity display of multiple painted murtis and ornate white-and-silver backdrops. A standing priest in white holds a lit oil lamp, an aarti gesture. Brass lamps, metal plates of offerings and red flowers or petals lie on the mats. Red cushions and an orange cloth sit at the right edge. No one is clearly identifiable as a person in the visible frame.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesA night-time ritual scene in a temporary pandal decorated with strings of lights and hanging cloth. A man with a shaved head and bare chest, wearing a white dhoti, stands holding a lit oil lamp aarti. Around a low square fire pit or altar, several shaved-headed men in white dhotis sit on a mat, some wearing yellow cloth and necklaces, with brass pots, plates of offerings and flower petals placed nearby. Behind them stands a decorated deity murti with a silver halo and a tall ornate backdrop, with additional murtis and garlands to the right. Red sofa-like seating is at the lower right. This appears to be a puja or homa in progress.2010-10-16 +1 copiesA night-time ritual at an outdoor shrine decorated with fairy lights and colourful pennants. A standing priest in white dhoti and shawl holds a lit flame or aarti lamp toward a large deity murti adorned with white flower garlands, a lion mount and a crowned goddess figure with multiple arms. Seated devotees in white dhotis, some with rudraksha malas, surround a square fire pit with smoke rising, and brass plates of offerings, fruit and red flowers are arranged on the ground. A red and orange sofa-like seat with orange cloth stands at the right edge. a person is not visibly identifiable among the people present, so no candidate is named.2010-10-16 +1 copiesNight photograph of a Devi puja at an outdoor stage. A large goddess murti with many arms, dark flowing hair and a lion mount stands at the centre, framed by white floral arches, garlands and a canopy of green leaves. Several smaller murtis flank her. In the foreground a bare-chested priest in white dhoti holds a brass vessel and raises one arm toward the altar. Another white-clad priest kneels at the platform, and a seated man in orange robes with white markings sits to the right, his palms together. Young girls in red and maroon clothes sit among the worshippers, and oil lamps and brass vessels stand on the white platform steps, with flower petals scattered across the cloth.2010-10-16Night-time homa performed outdoors under a decorated canopy with a deity murti on the right, adorned with white floral garlands and a red-and-gold ornamented background, plus a lion figure beside it. A standing priest in white dhoti and shawl with beaded garland holds a lit flame over a square fire pit, while seated priests in white clothing and gold-bordered cloth, several with bare heads and beaded necklaces, sit around brass plates heaped with red chillies, flowers and offerings. Strings of coloured lights and tall decorative pillars with orange and red banners frame the scene. Roughly a dozen people are visible, including boys seated at the left edge.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copies