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Night-time homa or yagna at a temple-style pandal decorated with a large ornate silver-white arch framing painted deity murti and garlanded images. In the foreground a bare-chested priest in white dhoti with red border and gold neck ornaments sits at a white stone fire pit, extending his arm and holding a metal dish of offerings, with brass oil lamps and offering vessels around. Behind him, several men in white dhotis and white shawls sit on the floor. On the right, a figure in saffron-orange robes and long rudraksha-style beaded mala necklaces sits on a red velvet throne with gold trim, appearing to observe the ritual. Red fairy lights, hanging colourful tassels and a Kannada-script banner fill the background.

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October 15 20102010-10-15October 15 20102010-10-15A night-time temple ritual under a decorated canopy. A seated figure on a red and gold throne wears an orange-saffron robe and rudraksha-style beads, facing a white altar stone. Several priests in white dhoti and shawl sit around the altar; the foremost priest, bare-chested, performs a puja with a brass vessel and offerings. Brass plates hold flowers, fruit, dried red chillies, white flower petals and garlands. Behind them stand a large decorated murti of a deity with garlands, colourful hanging tassels and a bright festoon. A standing attendant in white robes with a red-bordered cloth is at right, and devotees sit on mats at the far right edge.2010-10-15 +1 copiesA photograph of a homa fire ritual inside a decorated hall with a large deity murti of a goddess on the left, draped in white and floral garlands, and strings of red lights behind. A seated man in white dhoti and shawl with a gold mala and folded glasses sits before a rectangular fire pit smoking with a homa, with brass vessels, petals and dry sticks in front. On the right, a bald man in white with gold necklaces and a saffron-and-white turban raises one hand while seated on an ornate red-and-gold throne. Three women in orange and red saris sit beside the fire pit with a lamp. A man in white and red-bordered shawl reads from a book standing behind them, and another man in orange robes sits at far right.2010-10-16October 15 20102010-10-15Night-time temple puja in an outdoor pandal lit by string lights. In the centre, a white stone yoni-peetha or abhishekam platform sits before a deity murti decorated with white silver-like ornaments and a red-and-blue backdrop. Priests in white dhotis and bare upper bodies, one with a shaved head, perform ritual offerings at the platform while a priest in white shirt sits behind. On a red-and-gold throne at right, a figure in saffron-orange robes with a rudraksha mala and a gold necklace sits, while another saffron-robed attendant sits on the orange floor to the right. Plates of flowers, fruit, red petals and offerings cover the white cloth in front. Mango-leaf garlands hang overhead.2010-10-15 +1 copiesNight-time photograph of a homa ritual under a temporary pandal. In the foreground a shaven-headed priest in white dhoti with gold necklace sits at a white fire pit with a dark square hearth, next to brass vessels and small oil lamps. A second priest in white raises a white ceremonial umbrella above the scene. Behind them stands a large decorated deity murti with garlands, flanked by smaller figures and draped women in red and maroon saris. To the right, a figure in white with a turban sits on an ornate red and gold throne, while bearded sadhus in saffron and orange robes sit nearby. Strings of lights, hanging tassels and a banner decorate the hall.2010-10-16A night-time homa ritual before a large deity murti of a goddess with multiple arms, decorated with white floral backdrop and a canopy above. In the foreground, a priest in white dhoti and shawl raises his arm beside a square fire pit with a dark ash surface, brass pots, oil lamps and scattered flowers. Smoke rises through the frame. Seated to the right, a man in white with a yellow shawl and bead necklace sits on a red and gold throne-like chair holding a tray, while beside him a man in orange robes with white markings on his arms and forehead sits on a cushion. Several other seated figures in orange and red clothing face the fire, and string lights glow in the background.2010-10-16Night-time ritual pooja in an outdoor pandal decorated with orange and white floral arrangements and hanging leaf garlands. At center, priests in white dhotis with bare upper bodies and white tilak markings perform rites at a white stone altar holding a metal lamp and offering vessels. Behind them stands a large ornate deity murti with multiple arms and red garments, flanked by white floral-decorated figures. On the right, a figure in orange robes and a gold necklace sits on a red and gold throne, with another orange-robed sannyasi seated beside him. Brass trays of flowers, grains, and coconut-like offerings lie on white cloth in front.2010-10-15 +1 copiesNight ritual in a decorated hall with a white marble fire pit (homa kunda) at centre. Several priests in white dhotis with bare upper bodies and white sacred ash marks on their foreheads and arms perform the rite, one pouring offerings from a silver bowl into the fire. Behind them stand large white-and-blue deity murtis framed by ornate white floral arches, with garlands of yellow and white flowers and brass lamps. On the right, a seated man in orange-saffron robes, a red-orange mala and a gold-trimmed red velvet throne watches the ceremony, with a standing attendant nearby.2010-10-15October 16 20102010-10-16 +1 copiesA night-time ritual in a decorated open pavilion with a large clay deity murti of a goddess riding a lion, adorned with white and silver decorations and flower garlands, with brass oil lamps lit in front. On the left, a shaved-headed man in white dhoti sits cross-legged before a square fire pit or homa altar with flower petals scattered around it. Behind him, several seated people in white and a standing man in white with a turban hold trays and make gestures. On the right, two standing men in saffron and orange-red robes, one with a bare chest and white body markings, join palms in reverence beside an empty cushioned chair. Hanging red and green pennants, flower decorations and twinkling lights frame the scene, with smoke rising in the background.2010-10-16