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Night photograph of a fire ritual at a shrine. A large white-rimmed square fire pit blazes with tall orange flames at right, backed by a dark red cloth-draped altar decorated with pink and orange flowers, garlands and small deity figures. In the foreground a young person with a shaved head, seen from behind, wears an orange wrap and gold-toned beaded necklace, facing the fire. At left, another young person in an orange wrap sits cross-legged on a yellow-gold platform with white sandalwood markings on the arms, tending a brass vessel and oil lamp beside a spread of marigold-type flowers. A white cloth with gold borders hangs at the left edge. The scene suggests a homa or puja.

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December 21 20132013-12-21December 21 20132013-12-21Night-time outdoor homa at a white stepped fire pit with a bright flame, a homa-style fire ritual. Two young priests in saffron-orange robes sit on mats, one feeding offerings into the fire with a bare arm and the other holding wooden sticks. Marigold garlands wrap the pit steps. Behind, a figure in white dhoti with a rudraksha mala and sandalwood markings sits near a gold-framed throne-like seat. A man in white at the far left speaks into a microphone. On the right, decorated kalasha pots with blue and red ornaments and yellow marigold garlands stand on a maroon-draped table. A gilded palanquin frame appears at upper left. Yellow plastic bags and scattered flower petals lie on the ground.2013-12-21Night 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.2013-12-20A night homa in progress at an open-air ritual area. Around a white-rimmed square fire pit, eight young men in saffron-orange robes with white-painted foreheads and rudraksha malas sit on silver-coloured mats. A seated figure in white dhoti and white shawl pours from a brass vessel, and a small flame burns in the pit. Yellow marigold garlands surround the pit, and a tray of bananas, fruit and coconuts sits nearby. A figure in purple and gold at left stands holding an offering, and a floral-decorated altar stands at right.2013-12-19December 21 20132013-12-21Night ritual photograph at an outdoor homa or yagna fire pit lined with white marble. Several young boys in saffron-orange dhotis and wraps with pink-red borders sit around the square pit, hands folded in prayer or placing offerings. Their foreheads and arms bear white painted markings and they wear beaded necklaces. Two older men in white dhotis and rudraksha malas sit at the far side tending brass vessels, a small oil lamp and a small fire. Yellow marigold garlands lie along the pit edge, and fruit, bananas and a brass pot sit at right beside a purple cloth.2013-12-19December 20 20132013-12-20December 19 20132013-12-19 +1 copiesNight 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 homa at an outdoor altar. A priest in white dhoti with gold border, bare-shouldered and with a shaved head, pours an offering from a long ladle into a fire burning in a square white fire pit strung with yellow marigold garlands. Behind the fire, a row of kalasha pots wrapped in yellow flower garlands and blue cloth sits on a maroon-draped platform, with a small lit gold-framed deity image at upper left and coloured string lights overhead. Brass bowls, lamps and offerings rest on the steps and mat. A young man in saffron-orange robe with white forehead markings sits at right beside the fire, with another person in orange partly visible behind him.2013-12-21Night photograph of a homa at an outdoor fire pit lined with white stone. A priest in white dhoti and shawl with gold border, wearing rudraksha malas and a white forehead band and tilak, pours an offering from a long-handled ladle into the flames. Behind him a younger priest in orange robe with white markings on his arms sits near a microphone. Yellow marigold garlands surround the pit, with brass bowls, a kalasha-like vessel, a bell, incense and a tray of flower petals nearby.2013-12-21