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A photograph of a large ceremonial hall during a ritual. In the foreground, many seated devotees in white clothes with red-and-white striped shoulder cloths face the front, with a few heads shaved and some with long braids. At the front, a priest in a white dhoti stands at left beside a decorated altar with a deity murti draped in garlands, and brass oil lamps are lit along the stage. A central seated figure in a saffron garment sits on a raised red-draped platform beneath a golden canopy and floral arch, with musicians playing instruments and a sacred fire pit area near the front. Tall brass lamp stands and ornate gold hangings frame the scene.

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July 17 20152015-07-17July 17 20152015-07-17A large ritual hall during a homa for Samaya Deeksha, with a seated crowd of devotees in white clothes and red-orange shawls facing a central fire-offering area. Several priests in white and red attire perform rites near a decorated dais, while a central deity murti sits on a richly garlanded red throne flanked by brass oil lamps and ceremonial umbrellas. Dozens of people are visible, many seated on the floor with heads bowed or watching. A small figure in saffron-colored clothing sits near the fire pit, but the appearance is too uncertain to confirm who it is.2015-07-17July 17 20152015-07-17July 17 20152015-07-17A large ceremonial hall during a homa and samaya deeksha initiation. Seated rows of devotees in white dhotis and red-and-white shawls fill the foreground, many women in white saris with long braids. At the center, a fire pit with burning flames sits before a decorated dais; several priests in white dhotis and red shawls perform the rites. Behind them stands a deity murti, adorned with marigold garlands, beneath a canopy of golden kalasha and gilded decorations. Tall brass oil lamps line the right side, with a figure seated on a golden throne at far right.2015-07-17July 17 20152015-07-17 +1 copiesA large hall with a golden ornate shrine and red-draped canopy holding a deity murti, with garlands and a golden throne-like seat where a seated figure in orange and saffron garments sits. Many participants in white dhotis and orange-red shawls sit cross-legged on the floor facing the front, some holding small items, while golden kalasha-topped staffs and parasols frame the dais. Brass lamps stand at left and fresh flower arrangements decorate the raised platform.2015-07-06A large hall with a low wooden ceiling and warm lights shows a seated congregation in white clothes with red-and-white shawls draped over their shoulders, many with shaved heads, facing a shrine. Behind the crowd, a white backdrop frames golden deity murti figures, brass kalasha-style lamps and an ornate golden throne-like altar, with a figure in white standing near the right side of the altar. Rows of devotees in the foreground sit on chairs and mats. The scene suggests a Samaya deeksha homa held in an ashram hall.2015-07-17July 17 20152015-07-17A large indoor homa ceremony in a tented hall with a fire pit at centre where a priest in orange-red dhoti and bare chest tends the flames. Rows of seated devotees in white clothes with red-orange shawls sit on the floor facing the fire. Behind the fire, a richly decorated deity murti sits on a red and gold altar, with brass lamps, kalashas and ornate stands around it. To the right, a raised platform with a lit oil lamp stand and a robed figure standing beside a gilded throne.2015-07-17A photograph of a large seated congregation in a tented hall during a homa with a sacred fire pit. Many devotees sit on the floor and on chairs, mostly in white clothes with red-and-saffron shoulder cloths, and several shaved-headed men in white or saffron dhotis sit near the front. A fire pit with flames sits at the centre, and behind it an ornately decorated altar holds a deity murti with garlands, brass lamps and kalasha-style vessels. On the right, a raised red-draped platform holds another decorated seat. Brass oil lamps and ornate brass stands line the scene, and a white-clad figure stands near the platform.2015-07-17