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Photo of a temple-tank ceremony at a pool with white and red striped steps behind it. A man in an orange sleeveless robe with long swept-back hair stands on a flower-decorated raft draped in red cloth and striped fabric, garlanded with orange, red, yellow and purple blossoms. Surrounding him, orange-robed priests and white-clad devotees wade in the water, several holding brass vessels, a ceremonial lamp and offering trays. A bearded man in white helps steady the raft, and onlookers in white line the steps. The scene appears to be a Theppotsavam float festival procession in water.

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Photograph of a floral-decorated boat-style procession float in a water tank with red-and-white striped walls and palm trees behind. A man in an orange-saffron robe stands on the float holding a small bell and a plate. Many people wade in the water around it: several men in white clothes with yellow scarves, some in orange robes holding golden kalasha-shaped vessels and brass plates of petals, and devotees with palms pressed together. Crowded onlookers stand along the steps. The float is draped in red cloth and garlanded with white, yellow, red and purple flowers, appearing to be a theppotsavam float ceremony.2009-07-08Outdoor temple tank ceremony at water level: a man in orange robes stands on a flower-garlanded red-and-gold palanquin or float, lighting or offering with a brass lamp, while devotees in orange and white clothes wade in the water holding brass plates, a kalasha-style vessel and a basket. Many devotees in white garments with yellow shawls stand waist-deep, hands folded, and spectators line the striped steps above. Marigold, orchid and red flower garlands decorate the float, and petals float on the water. Palm trees stand behind the striped wall.2009-07-08July 08 20092009-07-08Outdoor ritual at a temple tank with white and red striped stone steps. A figure in saffron-orange robes stands at the left edge on a black stone platform near a kalasha-style brass vessel, while another saffron-robed figure stands waist-deep in water at center, arm raised. Devotees in white and light clothing stand in the water and along the edges, many with hands folded in namaskar. On the right, a decorated ratha/palanquin is draped with white and yellow marigold garlands, purple flowers and banana-leaf decorations, with a saffron-clad attendant standing beside it. Offerings and brass items sit on the platform in the foreground, and a rudra-style abhishekam-type water rite appears to be underway.2009-07-08A flower-decorated wooden boat floats in a water tank lined with red and white striped steps during a temple festival. A tall man in an orange-saffron robe stands on the boat's cushioned platform, which is draped in red and striped fabric and bound with garlands of white, yellow, purple and red flowers. Many people in white clothes and orange robes stand waist-deep in the water around the boat, some holding brass lamps and trays with red flowers, while others watch from the steps. On the left edge, a brass platter and ceremonial lamps rest on a dark stone ledge scattered with rose petals. Palm trees and a small temple structure appear in the background. The scene resembles a theppotsavam, a float festival, and the man on the boat is described as a person because of his saffron robe, tall stature and central position on the decorated float, though his face is not clearly discernible at this size.2009-07-08Outdoor photograph of a temple tank ceremony with a red-and-white striped stepped ghat behind a crowd standing in shallow water. A man in a saffron-orange dhoti and sleeveless top stands on a flower-decorated raised platform, one arm extended, holding a woven basket of petals. Garlands of orange, yellow, pink and white flowers with purple blooms and green palm leaves decorate the platform and a golden canopy. In the foreground, men in orange robes lift brass plates of offerings and a tiered golden kalasha-like vessel, while devotees with folded hands look on. Scattered petals float on the water. Approximately thirty people are visible.2009-07-08A photograph of a temple tank event where devotees stand and wade in water in front of a striped red and white stepped wall with palm trees behind. On a flower-decorated float or chariot with a red cloth skirt and a multicoloured striped mat, a man with long swept-back dark hair stands in an orange saffron robe with bare arms, appearing as a probable Swamiji by his long hair, saffron clothing and central position on the float. Around the float, many people in white and yellow clothes and orange robes are immersed to the chest or waist, some with hands folded in prayer; a man in a brown shirt and rudraksha-style necklace stands in the water near the float. A brass or gold tray with offerings sits in the water among the devotees. Garlands of orange, red, white and yellow flowers and palm fronds decorate the float and its canopy.2009-07-08A decorated floral palanquin with a yellow and red canopy stands on a raised platform in a water tank, carried by men in white dhotis and yellow garlands wading in the water. An orange-robed man stands at the front of the platform beside another figure in orange, while a seated man in orange and white and others in white attend the dais, and a man in white with red-brown vest supports the platform. The platform is heavily decorated with marigolds, orchids, fern fronds and white flower garlands. Tiered red steps behind are lined with seated devotees in white clothing. The scene resembles a ritual procession through sacred water.2010-07-26July 08 20092009-07-08A flower-decorated wooden float with garlands of white jasmine, orange and red blossoms, purple flowers and green leaves stands in a shallow water tank beside striped red-and-white walls. A barefoot man in a saffron-orange robe stands on the float, holding a basket. Around it, saffron-robed priests and devotees wade in the water, some holding brass plates, a silver kalasha-like vessel and offerings, while others in white and yellow garments stand with hands folded. This appears to be a theppotsavam float-boat ritual in water. Several onlookers stand along the edge, and a kalasha with flowers rests on the pool edge at left.2009-07-08July 08 20092009-07-08July 08 20092009-07-08