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Night ritual around a square stone homa fire pit with visible flames. Devotees in saffron and orange robes sit cross-legged on a white-covered platform, many wearing rudraksha malas and white vibhuti or tilak marks on their foreheads. A bare-chested man in saffron with a rudraksha mala and a white shawl sits near the fire, while a standing man in white garments stands at the back. Women in orange and red saris with garlands sit to the right, and a woman in a red top sits in the foreground facing the fire. Brass bowls and offerings are arranged around the pit. A silver-framed ornate panel and a table fan appear in the background. Several people in white are seated in the background.

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March 18 20132013-03-18March 18 20132013-03-18A night-time homa at a Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam-style ashram: a square fire pit with a large flame sits at centre, surrounded by many seated devotees in saffron and orange robes and red blouses. Behind the fire, a seated figure in saffron with a long garland of beads sits on a raised dais beside a silver trident and a decorated peetha. Several monastics in orange with rudraksha malas kneel or sit close to the fire, holding ritual items, while a standing attendant in white appears in the background. Dense rows of onlookers fill the courtyard under a dark night sky, with an orange-painted building behind.2013-03-10March 18 20132013-03-18Night photograph of a homa fire pit lined with bricks, with a bright flame burning inside and offerings on the surrounding ledge. Dozens of saffron-robed ascetics sit in rows behind it, many wearing rudraksha malas and gold pendants, some with shaved heads. On the right, a figure with long swept-back dark hair, a saffron cloth and layered beaded necklaces sits on a raised cushioned seat beside a silver-framed backrest, with a pedestal fan beside him. In front, women in red and saffron garments with long hair sit on the floor facing the fire, and a row of brass lamps and cups is arranged near the pit. Several spectators are visible in the background.2013-03-10March 10 20132013-03-10March 10 20132013-03-10A large homa is being performed around a square fire pit filled with burning flames, set on a white-and-gold ceremonial platform with offerings, ritual items and small brass plates. Around it sit dozens of saffron- and orange-robed devotees, many with shaved heads and rudraksha malas, some holding offerings in their hands. Women in orange and red saris with yellow borders and beaded necklaces sit in rows along the right and back. At the top left, a seated figure in orange clothing with long dark hair and gold necklaces sits on an ornate silver-and-gold seat behind a small table, reciting from a book; the appearance cues are not definitive, so identification is uncertain. A crowd of onlookers in white is visible in the background. Fairy lights and a stage canopy surround the scene.2013-03-10March 10 20132013-03-10March 18 20132013-03-18A photograph of a large outdoor homa or yagna at night, with a square fire pit filled with smoke and offerings. Around it sit many devotees in saffron and orange clothing, mostly shaved-headed men and women in red and orange saris with gold borders, wearing rudraksha malas and marigold garlands. A seated figure on a raised golden throne with a leopard-print cushion, wearing long dark hair, orange garments and ornate gold necklaces, is at the centre-back, with a golden deity murti or ornate golden panel behind him. A brass fan and metal vessels stand by the fire pit. Standing devotees and onlookers in white line the background under the night sky.2013-03-10A photograph of a homa fire ceremony at night. A central figure with long dark hair, wearing an orange robe and a long garland of orange flowers, sits on a raised ornate silver-framed seat behind a square fire pit filled with smoke and flames. Around the pit, rows of devotees in orange and red robes sit with palms pressed together in namaskar, many with shaved heads and rudraksha malas. Brass oil lamps and vessels line the pit edge. Women in red blouses and orange saris sit in the foreground, and a standing fan and a crowd of seated onlookers fill the background. a person seated on the throne, presiding over the fire ritual.2013-03-10