Skip to content
Nithyanandapedia
A large Ganesha murti with a maroon-red body and gold-and-white garlands sits on a grey cushioned seat under a striped canopy at an outdoor ritual site. In front, a heap of grey ash or burnt residue lies on the ground beside a metal bowl, with brass oil lamps standing on either side. Several women in saffron-orange saris and one in white move around the stepped white-and-red platform. The scene suggests a homa or fire-ritual setting, with ash and the murti as the central focus.

More like this

Open the gallery
September 02 20172017-09-02August 25 20172017-08-25A Ganesha murti, a large red-painted Ganesh idol with a gold crown and garlands of yellow marigolds, sits on a decorated seat under a tent canopy during a homa. In the foreground a fire burns in a yellow-covered fire pit. Several young men in saffron-orange dhotis and matching orange headcloths stand and kneel around the murti; one holds a lit flame aloft and another pours offerings near brass pots and lamps. Brass oil lamps and kalasha vessels are arranged with yellow garlands on the floor, and a bare-chested man in orange wraps stands at left with a rudraksha-style mala. Pink and red bunting hangs along the tent edge, and the scene is the Maha Ganapathi homa.2017-08-25A photograph of a Maha Ganapathi homa in an open tent with pink and white fabric drapes and strings of small lights above. A large Ganesha murti with a trunk, elephant ears and a brown-red body dominates the right, adorned with gold necklaces, garlands of yellow and orange marigolds and a gold crown. Two sannyasis in saffron-orange cloth stand at the left: the nearer one has a red-orange head wrap, bare upper body with sacred marks and a mala, and bends over a ritual tray; the other, behind him, is bare-chested in orange cloth. A bright fire blazes in the foreground before the kalasha and brass oil lamps on a striped floor cloth, with marigold garlands around the vessels.2017-08-25Outdoor ritual scene under a white tented canopy at a temple-like courtyard. A large seated Ganesha murti with a golden crown and red-and-gold drapery sits on a grey pedestal, its hands raised in blessing, adorned with garlands and a gold necklace. In front, a figure with long braided hair and a red garland stands with his back to the camera on a striped mat, facing the murti. To the right, a man in saffron robes holds a tall ornate ceremonial umbrella with multicoloured fringe over a bare-chested man in white dhoti and ornaments standing on white and red striped steps. Around them, devotees in orange and red clothing stand with hands folded, while women in orange saris watch from the upper steps. Brass lamp stands and banana plants frame the scene.2017-09-02A homa fire burns in front of a large Ganesha deity murti seated on a golden throne with a brown garment, adorned with white and gold necklaces, garlands of marigolds, and a crown. Several sannyasis in saffron-orange robes and orange turbans attend the fire, one pouring offerings into the flames while others stand nearby. Brass lamps and offering vessels with marigold garlands surround the fire pit on a colourful striped mat beneath a pink-trimmed canopy strung with small lights.2017-08-25August 31 20172017-08-31August 25 20172017-08-25A photograph of an outdoor pavilion with a large pink-and-white striped tent canopy and potted plants. A seated man in orange-red robes, with a headband, a long dark hair, a rudraksha mala and bare arms with copper armbands, sits cross-legged on a silver-edged seat before a microphone stand, apparently leading a ritual. Beside him, a woman in a red sari with folded hands sits near a low stone platform. A large clay-coloured Ganesha murti dressed in a red cloth, with pearl and gold garlands and a crown, sits on a grey pedestal behind a silver lamp stand and a silver vessel. In front, a square fire pit with a tiled brick rim holds offerings, a silver bowl of white flowers and small dishes of kumkum and turmeric. Two people are the only visible physical participants, plus one small figure in the background.2017-08-31A photograph of a Maha Ganapathi homa under a tent canopy. A large Ganesha murti with a red-brown body, golden crown, white tusks, and garlands of yellow marigolds sits on a raised platform. In front, a bright fire burns in a yellow-cloth-covered homa pit with brass vessels and flower offerings. Several people in orange and saffron clothing stand around: a bare-chested young man with a saffron head wrap, a figure in saffron dress with a rudraksha mala, and a child in an orange head wrap on the steps at right. Brass oil lamps and kalasha-style vessels surround the platform, with string lights and pink fabric overhead.2017-08-25August 25 20172017-08-25Photograph of a Ganesha festival homa in an open-sided pavilion with a corrugated roof. A large Ganesha murti in dark red-brown dress with gold ornaments, pearl and bead necklaces and yellow marigold garlands sits at left. In the foreground two sannyasis in orange robes and orange head wraps sit on a striped cloth, bodies marked with white ash lines; one tends a golden fire pit where flames rise, while the other holds offering vessels. Flower offerings and a microphone stand are near the fire. At right a figure in an orange turban and red garland sits on a red and gold throne decorated with yellow flowers, seated at the back of the pavilion. Behind them are potted plants and trees.2017-08-25