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A photograph inside a large white tented hall during a pratyaksha padapuja at a Vaicharik Mahasabha event. A figure seated in the foreground, with long dark hair swept back, a red-and-maroon cloth wrapped around the body, a garland of white and pink flowers, gold armlets and earrings, and a tall golden trident held upright, places a hand on the head of a kneeling devotee in white with a red shawl. Probable Swamiji (long swept-back hair, red-and-maroon robe, garland, gold ornaments and trident) is presenting the blessing. Around them, devotees in white and red shawls with folded hands and rudraksha malas stand and sit on the floor, and a large crowd fills the background beneath decorative paper lanterns and banners.

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A large tented hall with hanging decorative streamers and a red backdrop. In the right foreground, a figure with long, swept-back dark hair wears a rust-red wrap, a flower garland of white and red blooms, gold armband and bangles, and holds a tall silver trident (trishul) while smiling. Around him, many devotees crowd close: women in red and white saris and shawls, men in white dhotis and red stoles, one man in a red kurta with a name badge. Some devotees hold their hands together in greeting and others reach forward with offerings. In the background, a dense audience fills the hall beneath lamps and hanging ornaments. The scene appears to be a pratyaksha padapuja, with devotees gathering at the feet of the figure with the trident.2016-05-20Photograph of a pratyaksha padapuja at an indoor hall. A long-haired figure with a crescent moon ornament on the head, red-and-orange robes, layered gold necklace, red, yellow and white garland and gold bangles stands on the left, holding a tall golden trident, with a dark-haired hand resting near its shaft. Probable Swamiji (long hair, crescent crown, saffron-red robes, ornate gold necklaces and rudraksha-style adornment) is the central figure receiving the devotee. A man in white kurta with red shawl kneels at the bottom, a second man in white with red shawl stands at right, and a woman in a red sari and white shawl with folded hands stands center. Behind them a large crowd of women in saffron, red, orange and white saris and shawls holds brass plates and lamps, under hanging orange decorations and a pink draped structure.2016-05-20A photo of a crowded tented ritual gathering with red fabric walls and a gilded throne-like seat at left. A seated figure in orange clothing and a pink-and-white garland, with long dark hair, sits on a red cushioned throne with golden lion-shaped armrests, receiving devotees who bow and touch his feet. Around him, many women in saffron, red and multicoloured saris and white-clad men in dhotis with gold borders and beaded necklaces stand close together. A camera on a tripod and a white cooling unit are visible at upper left, and several bald devotees with folded hands stand in the foreground.2016-05-01May 20 20162016-05-20April 28 20162016-04-28A seated figure on a carved wooden throne in an orange garment with a long dark bun and rudraksha malas raises a hand toward a kneeling man in white, who bows his head as the seated person touches him. A woman in orange stands behind, and a silver trident is visible. Seated devotees in orange and white fill the hall, many wearing orange lanyards, with a microphone stand in front. A bare-shouldered orange-clad man sits at right with a shaved head and rudraksha mala.2015-12-09April 28 20162016-04-28Outdoor festival tent with red carpet and a golden trident in the foreground. A long-haired figure with dreadlocks in orange robes and a floral garland sits on a red-draped seat, placing a hand on the head of a kneeling devotee in an orange shawl. Nearby a man in a grey kurta and glasses bends forward with hands joined, another in white robes and a bearded man in white stand behind. A priest in white dhoti holds an apple near a deity-style ritual setup, and a bald man in orange and red garments and rudraksha mala looks on. A camera on a tripod films the scene and colourful paper lanterns hang from the tent ceiling.2016-04-28May 22 20162016-05-22A photograph of a darshan scene under a red canopy. A long-haired man in orange-saffron clothing with a floral garland of yellow and red flowers sits on an ornate gold-and-red throne-like seat and reaches to place his hand on the head of an elderly woman in a red headscarf and orange sari, who bows with hands folded. A bald man in a rudraksha-beaded garment sits in the foreground, and a man in a pink shirt leans in beside the elderly woman. Behind them, several women in saffron and red saris and salwar kameez stand watching, and a camera operator on a tripod films the moment. A gold ornamental pillar stands at left and a brass vessel rests near the seated figure. Approximately 15 people are visible.2016-04-27April 26 20162016-04-26A large white tent interior at a Kumbh Mela camp, with strings of small hanging lanterns overhead. A long-haired figure in orange-red cloth and a thick ornate gold-and-red necklace sits on a low red-draped seat, extending a hand toward a line of devotees. Several women in saris and salwar kameez, one in green with a light head covering, press palms together and bow. A bald man in an orange-red garment wears gold and rudraksha-style beaded necklaces and bends forward. A golden kalasha-like ceremonial vessel decorated with white flowers stands in the foreground. A cameraman on a tripod films at left, and a crowd fills the background.2016-04-26