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Night-time temple ritual photographed at a pandal with illuminated deity idols on the left, decorated with white floral crowns and garlands. Two priests in white dhoti and shawl stand at a fire-and-offering table: one in the foreground holds a brass plate and the other holds a ritual object, while a seated priest with rudraksha-style beads and bare chest tends the lamps. Brass oil lamps and a kalasha-style vessel sit on the table, and a drum is at left. Behind them, string lights and banners fill the backdrop. A seated figure in a blue garment and gold necklace sits on a red-and-gold throne at right, with devotees in white and yellow clothing around the lower edge.

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October 15 20102010-10-15October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 15 20102010-10-15A homa ritual is performed before a shrine decorated with deity murtis under a fringed canopy and string lights. Smoke rises from a square fire pit on a white base strewn with flower petals. A man in white dhoti and gold necklace sits cross-legged at right, extending his hand toward the fire, with a brass bowl beside him. A standing priest at left, wearing a white dhoti and holding a silver plate, offers materials into the fire. Other white-clad priests stand behind, and brass lamps and a kalasha sit near the shrine.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesDim temple interior during a fire ritual. A standing priest in white dhoti and shawl with a gold chain holds an object over a dark stone platform where smoke rises. Behind him, another priest in white stands near a garlanded deity murti and multiple statues under an ornate canopy, with string lights along the walls. In the foreground, a seated man in white dhoti and shawl wears a gold mala, glasses and a bare upper body, extending his hand over the platform. Brass bowls, a small oil lamp and scattered flower petals sit on the white step. The scene suggests a homa or puja, with the figures in ritual white clothing.2010-10-16Night photograph of a homa or yagna ritual before a large decorated deity murti with a golden crown and multiple arms, flanked by smaller figures. A priest in white dhoti and shawl, with a rudraksha-style bead necklace, holds a lit lamp or flame aloft at left. Seated devotees in white clothes at right and centre have their hands folded. In front is a white marble-edged square fire pit with a dark central opening, scattered flower petals, brass vessels, a kalasha, fruit and offerings. Strings of red fairy lights and a fringed canopy frame the scene, with smoke rising in the air.2010-10-16October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesNight ritual photograph at an ashram temple beside a large white and gold deity display with several goddess murtis dressed in red and silver, one with a crown and trident-like emblems. In the foreground a priest in white dhoti and shawl kneels at a black stone yoni-peetha platform on white steps, pouring liquid from a metal vessel onto the stone, while other priests and women in red and maroon saris stand or sit around. Brass bowls, oil lamps, a bell, flower petals and red lights frame the scene. A bald priest in white with a gold necklace holds an offering on the right. A tall striped pillar and a cloth canopy are visible.2010-10-16Night-time homa ritual under a temporary pandal with a tiled roof and hanging festive lights. At the centre, a bald priest in white dhoti and shawl pours from a brass vessel over a white fire-altar platform, with brass bells, a bowl and a small lamp set before him. Another white-clad priest kneels and assists beside a sprinkle of petals. Behind, women in red and maroon saris sit in rows, several wearing gold jewellery. Above the altar stand large decorated deity murti, adorned with white floral garlands and an umbrella canopy. Scattered wood sticks lie on the white cloth in the foreground.2010-10-16Night photo of a homa fire ritual at a temple-style setting decorated with string lights and a deity murti group with a lion and goddess figure on the left. Around a rectangular fire pit with an open flame, about seven men in white dhoti and shawl with rudraksha malas and gold necklaces perform the ritual, one pouring offerings. Plates of fruit, flowers, red kumkum-like powder and nuts sit on the cloth-covered tables. On a red throne with gold trim at the right, a framed portrait shows a seated figure in orange garments, labelled as a portrait without legible caption. Yellow and red bunting hangs overhead.2010-10-16 +1 copiesOctober 16 20102010-10-16