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A night-time homa or fire ritual on an open-air stage under a tent canopy. A shaved-headed priest in orange-saffron dhoti and bare upper body stands at left, holding a small vessel, beside a bright sacred fire rising from a pit with offerings. A woman in a white sari with green border and a woman in red sit at the fire. A cameraman in a white shirt and jeans films from the stage. At right, a large decorated deity murti with multiple figures sits on a stage with green cloth, flanked by brass oil lamps. Yellow flowers, fruits, bowls and an open book lie on the mat in front.

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October 11 20102010-10-11 +1 copiesOctober 02 20142014-10-02Night-time photograph of a Chandi Homa at a temple shrine decorated with a large white-and-red ceremonial umbrella, strings of green leaves and hanging red-and-white decorations. Behind the central fire pit, a large white ornate image of a goddess with multiple arms and a fierce form stands on a dais, with smaller white-framed deity figures beside her. In the foreground, a shaven-headed priest in white dhoti and sleeveless vest kneels at the square fire pit, with a second priest in white beside him tending the fire. Several women in red and orange saris sit on the left, some seated with their hands together, and smoke rises from the homa. Offerings are arranged on brass plates including apples, oranges and bananas, with a brass bell, lamps and a kalasha-type vessel nearby. On the right, a man in a white turban and white garments sits on a gilded red throne beside a seated figure, with a man in white and a shawl standing behind. Additional devotees in white stand along the back wall beneath strings of lights.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesNight photograph of an outdoor ritual homa at a temple-like pavilion. A shaved-headed priest in white dhoti and upper cloth sits on a mat at left with hands folded in prayer. A standing woman in a red sari with a red-and-gold garland and a beaded necklace holds her hands near a fire pit and offering table. A seated elderly man in white is visible behind the fire pit. Dark ritual tables hold bananas, mangoes, apples, coconuts, flowers, bowls and a pile of firewood, with smoke rising. On the right, a man in saffron-orange robes stands holding a tray. Behind them, a large decorated deity murti with a trident and garlands stands beside a golden lion, under a white canopy with colourful hanging cloth streamers.2010-10-11October 16 20122012-10-16A night-time outdoor puja at a Durga-themed pavilion. On the right, large decorated murti figures of goddesses stand with lion and elephant forms, adorned with white lace-like ornaments and garlands. In the foreground, a white-clad priest with a shaved head and gold beaded necklace sits near a white altar with flower petals and a dark stone slab. Brass oil lamps, fruit, bowls of offerings, and red and green cloth surround the altar. Standing devotees in white dhotis, some holding trays, are scattered across the background, and a string of lights glows behind the shrine. The scene suggests a Chandi homa-style ritual, shown as a photograph.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 11 20102010-10-11 +1 copiesA night-time ritual at a homa or yagna pit: a shaven-headed priest in white dhoti and shawl with a rudraksha-style necklace sits cross-legged before a square white-edged fire pit, hands folded in namaskar. Behind him a woman in a pale yellow sari and three men in white stand with hands joined, one holding a camera. Brass plates of mangoes, bananas, lemons, apples and coconuts lie on a white cloth in the foreground, with brass lamps and kalasha vessels nearby. Behind the pit is a large deity murti group with a goddess in red and white adornments, a lion, and smaller figures decorated with white flower garlands under a fringed canopy.2010-10-15A night-time homa ritual in a decorated pandal lit with red fairy lights. A white-clad priest with a shaved head kneels at a square fire pit, tending it, while another white-clad priest sits beside him. Behind the pit stands a large deity murti of a goddess with a red-and-gold figure, flanked by smaller murtis, ornate white floral arches and a gold-fringed canopy. Women in orange and red saris and devotees in saffron sit on the platform. At right, a figure in a white turban and white dhoti sits on an ornate red-cushioned throne, with attendants in saffron and orange around him. Brass vessels, a silver kalasha-style pot, bowls of fruit, lit oil lamps, incense smoke and a folded white cloth lie in the foreground.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16Night outdoor ritual under a corrugated roof with festoon lights and saffron pennants strung overhead. Several young women in red and maroon saris sit in a row on the left, one holding a flower, before a long orange-draped altar laid with fruit, coconuts, brass plates and small bowls. On the right a shaved-headed priest in white dhoti and shawl stands holding a lit lamp and an offering vessel, with smoke rising. Behind him a seated figure in saffron-coloured clothing sits by an ornate red-and-gold throne-like seat. At left are white floral-decorated deity murti with garlands and a painted mural. Several onlookers are visible on the right.2010-10-16 +1 copies