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Photograph of a temple abhishekam in progress before a large deity murti decorated with yellow, orange and multicoloured garlands and a rainbow-striped backdrop. Two bare-chested priests in white dhotis with yellow borders bend over an offering table with silver bowls, one pouring liquid, while a third seated attendant in white is at lower left. Brass lamp stands line the sides, and yellow marigold garlands and flowers cover the wooden platform in front.

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December 02 20162016-12-02Photograph of an abhishekam ritual before a deity murti backdrop of flower garlands and ornate gold-framed decor. A man seated on a red and gold throne wears a brown-orange robe, a flower garland, a heavy gold pendant necklace and a rudraksha-style mala, with a long dark beard; he is a person by appearance cues and the page notes his presence. Around him, shirtless priests in white dhotis with sacred threads and vibhuti marks attend, one pouring or applying a substance, while women in white saris and a woman in a maroon sari watch. Trays of fruit, marigold flowers and brass lamps sit in front. Garlands of yellow, red and green flowers adorn the backdrop and standing figures.2016-12-02December 02 20162016-12-02December 02 20162016-12-02A homa fire burns in a brass-edged wooden fire pit before a golden-framed red throne where a seated figure in red and saffron-toned clothing holds a trident and wears a rudraksha mala, with a sanctum of deity murtis garlanded in marigolds behind. Several men sit on the red floor: one shirtless in white dhoti with a pink head cloth and orange-tinted shawl near brass vessels, another shirtless beside him, and a bearded man in white dhoti and shawl on the right holding a flower plate. Brass lamps, banana leaves, marigold garlands and offering plates surround the scene, with a decorative curtain overhead.2016-12-02A ceremonial scene inside a temple-like hall during an abhishekam-style ritual. A bearded man with long hair sits on a red-cushioned golden throne wearing a white and gold garland, a rudraksha-style mala, a gold necklace and an orange-brown shawl, with a yellow shawl draped over his shoulders. A bare-chested priest in white dhoti bends forward offering something on a tray before him. Nearby, a woman in a multicoloured patterned sari and another in a purple sari attend, and bare-chested men in white dhotis and shirtless devotees stand around. A video camera operator films at left. Behind the throne, large deity murtis stand adorned with bright marigold and rainbow garlands, and oil lamps and brass vessels rest on a low orange-covered altar decorated with fruit and flowers.2016-12-02December 02 20162016-12-02October 18 20152015-10-18A seated bearded man in a rust-coloured robe and a white flower garland sits on a gold-framed throne with a red cushion, with a small microphone stand before him. Around him, shirtless priests in white dhotis with coloured borders attend the ritual; one on the right pours from a vessel toward the throne, another on the left holds a bowl. A foreground attendant in a white cloth bends over a flower-strewn offering table. Behind them stands a deity murti draped in orange and purple silks and garlands of yellow and white flowers, with a kalasha-like brass arrangement before it. This appears to be an abhishekam-style ritual in a temple hall.2016-12-02Photo of an evening ritual before a large decorated altar of deity murtis draped in marigold garlands, with banana leaves and lit lamps on either side. A man seated on a red cushioned seat within a gold frame, wearing a white garland and white clothing, presides over a fire pit with offerings. Several priests in white dhotis, some bare-chested, sit or stand near the fire, and one raises his arm. A dense audience of devotees, mostly seen from behind, sits on the floor in front, with a camera operator at the side. Colourful floral decorations and string lights frame the scene. The setting suggests a homa or abhishekam ceremony.2016-12-02December 02 20162016-12-02A temple ritual photograph in front of a shrine decorated with garlands of marigolds and roses. Two large deity figures stand behind, one with a trident and one in ornate gold jewellery, flanked by a standing figure in a rust-red dhoti holding a garland. At the centre, a flower-garlanded altar holds a kalasha and oil lamps. In the foreground, a bare-chested priest in white dhoti and a shaved-headed attendant hold up a lit oil lamp for aarti while others sit with joined hands. Smoke drifts across the scene and devotees watch from below. Gold-coloured curtains frame the scene.2016-12-07