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Night-time homa at a white square fire pit with a visible flame. A young priest in white dhoti and shawl, with white forehead markings and a rudraksha mala, stirs the fire with a long iron ladle. Two seated assistants in saffron-orange robes, one holding a microphone, sit beside him. Brass bowls, yellow marigold garlands, scattered red and orange flowers, a coconut, pineapple, watermelon and bundled herbs lie on a floor decorated with red kolam line designs.

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December 21 20132013-12-21December 21 20132013-12-21December 21 20132013-12-21Night ritual outdoors beside a white square fire pit with a bright flame. Five people in saffron-orange robes sit around it: a central figure in white dhoti and white shawl with rudraksha mala and a bare upper body, flanked by saffron-clad priests, one seated at the fire's edge playing or holding ritual items. Offerings sit on the ground around the pit, including coconuts, pineapple, red and yellow flowers, and kolam rangoli lines. To the right stands a decorated altar with marigold garlands, a blue cloth-draped item and a red-and-gold cloth, with a deity murti area at the back. This appears to be a homa fire ritual.2013-12-21December 21 20132013-12-21Night photograph of a fire ritual at a square stone fire pit with a sunken centre and a bright flame. A central priest in white dhoti and white shawl, with white forehead markings, rudraksha malas and gold ornaments, sits behind the fire. Around him, about seven young men and boys in saffron-orange robes with white forehead and body markings sit on mats and cloth; some hold objects and one folds his hands. Yellow marigold garlands line the pit, and brass pots, plates of bananas, coconuts and fruit sit to the right, with a golden ratha-like cart visible at the top. The scene is a homa ritual with offerings.2013-12-19Night photo of a homa fire pit: a square white-tiled fire pit with orange flames rising from it, surrounded by seated young men in saffron-orange robes with white forehead markings and white body markings. Some wear rudraksha malas. One standing person in a white dhoti with gold-bordered shawl stands at the right edge, holding items above the pit. In front, a shaved-headed figure in orange wrap with pink border sits with back to camera. Offerings of fruit including a watermelon and pineapple, brass vessels and a kolam pattern lie at the right.2013-12-20Night-time homa at a square white fire pit with a glowing flame. A white-robed priest with bare chest and rudraksha malas pours offerings from a brass dish into the fire. Around the pit sit about eight young men in saffron-orange robes with white forehead markings and rudraksha necklaces, several with hands joined or gesturing. Yellow marigold garlands line the pit, with brass bowls, small oil lamps, and a tray of fruit (bananas, oranges, mango) on the right. A colourful striped cloth mat and a wooden cart stand in the background, with another saffron-robed figure standing at left.2013-12-19December 21 20132013-12-21Night outdoor homa at a white square fire pit with a lit flame, set on a dark paved ground strewn with marigold petals, red flowers and a kolam pattern. Five priests in saffron-orange cloths sit around it; the central figure wears a white dhoti and has white markings on his arms and forehead, tending the fire. Others hold ritual items and chant beside the pit. To the right, a red-draped altar is decorated with yellow marigold garlands, a blue silk-covered object, coconuts and fruit. A golden palanquin is visible in the background.2013-12-21Night outdoor homa at a square white fire pit lined with yellow marigold garlands and filled with burning sticks. A shaved-headed priest in white dhoti and white shawl holds a brass plate of flaming offerings above the pit. Beside him, another white-clad priest with rudraksha mala sits on a striped rug. Around the pit, five young men in saffron-orange robes with white ash markings and rudraksha malas sit in a semicircle, one reciting or chanting, and one standing figure in a maroon garment stands at the left. Fruit, bananas, coconuts and brass vessels are arranged at the right edge.2013-12-19Night outdoor homa at a square white-rimmed fire pit with a bright flame and smoke rising from straw and sticks. A priest in white dhoti and shawl, with rudraksha beads and a white forehead mark, sits behind the pit and pours or stirs with a ladle. Behind him a seated man in orange robes wearing a white headband and beads sits near a microphone. Marigold garlands, a brass plate of red flowers, coconuts, pineapple and a melon lie on the cloth at right, and a brass kalasha with yellow flowers sits at top right. Several people's hands and arms are visible at the left edge.2013-12-21