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A large ceremonial hall during a Maheshwara Puja, with rows of shaved-headed monastic disciples in saffron and orange dhotis and bare upper bodies seated on striped mats, many with sacred ash markings and rudraksha malas. Brass-like lamps and small offering plates of food line the mats in front. On a raised platform beneath a golden arch, a seated figure in orange robes and ornate garlands sits on a gold throne, flanked by a deity murti and attendants in white and orange. Colourful umbrellas and draped white fabric decorate the stage, and a camera crane hangs overhead. A figure in orange and white stands to the right assisting the ritual.

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December 18 20162016-12-18December 18 20162016-12-18A photograph of a large ritual gathering in a white-draped hall during a Maheshwara Puja-style offering. In the foreground, a bare-chested priest in white dhoti holds a lit flame toward long rows of leaf plates and small clay lamps laid out along a striped mat. Rows of seated devotees, many bare-chested with rudraksha malas, face a golden ornate canopy and a raised throne. A figure with long dark hair and an orange garment sits on the throne, flanked by golden deity statues and decorative umbrellas. Women in saffron and red saris sit to the right, and other monastics in white sit behind. Printed copyright text overlays the lower right corner.2016-12-18A large outdoor-style tent hall with white draped walls and multicoloured parasols. A bare-chested priest in white dhoti with sacred ash stands at left holding a flaming lamp over a long row of leaf-plate offerings and small cups. Rows of seated devotees, many bare-chested with rudraksha malas, sit on striped mats facing a golden arched canopy. On a golden throne at the centre sits a robed figure in saffron and white with long hair and a crown-like headdress, flanked by ornate gold statues and attendants in saffron. Brass kalashas and tridents decorate the stage, consistent with a Maheshwara Puja pinda offering to ancestors.2016-12-18December 18 20162016-12-18 +1 copiesA large ritual hall draped in white fabric shows a Maheshwara Puja style offering. A central figure seated on an ornate golden throne with a gold canopy, a pale-saffron-robed figure with long dark hair and rudraksha beads, sits above a line of white-robed attendants. Shirtless devotees with rudraksha malas and sandalwood-marked chests sit in rows along a long floor cloth, with banana-leaf plates of food and small oil lamps laid out before them. In the left foreground a bare-chested priest in white dhoti raises a flaming lamp toward the offerings. Colourful parasol-style umbrellas, brass trident finials and tall kalasha-like pillars surround the dais.2016-12-18A large tented hall during a seated ritual gathering. In the foreground, several bare-backed sannyasis with white sacred threads across their shoulders sit on a colourful striped rug, wearing saffron-orange lower garments, with long dreadlocks and shaved heads visible. Facing them, rows of women in saffron and orange saris and rudraksha malas sit on the rug, some smiling. White cups and small offerings are set along the mat. Multicoloured umbrellas hang overhead, paper lanterns dangle from the ceiling, and a cameraman with a tripod films the scene. A projection screen at upper left shows a figure in red and white. No individual is clearly identifiable as a person.2016-12-18December 18 20162016-12-18December 18 20162016-12-18A large indoor hall with white draped ceiling and red-and-gold canopy umbrellas over a seated assembly. Foreground and middle rows show many monastic disciples in saffron and orange robes, several with shaved heads and long-haired figures with garlands and beaded necklaces, seated on a multicoloured striped cloth with brass vessels. A woman in orange holds a microphone at centre. A cameraman in white stands at right with a tripod-mounted camera, and devotees in white sit along the back and sides. The setting suggests a satsang or puja gathering, though no specific ritual is clearly visible.2016-12-18A large indoor ritual gathering under a white tented hall with draped curtains and hanging lanterns. In the foreground, many shaven-headed male sannyasis sit with their backs to the camera, bare-chested, wearing saffron-orange dhotis and white sacred threads, seated on colourful striped mats before rows of small white cups. Facing them, women in saffron and orange sarees with rudraksha malas sit in rows; one woman in the centre speaks into a microphone. Multicoloured decorative parasol umbrellas stand in the background, and a cameraman on a tripod films at the right. Other attendees in white clothing and pink saris are seated further back near a raised platform draped in red fabric.2016-12-18A large white-draped hall during a Maheshwara Puja style ritual. A man in orange robes and a rudraksha mala sits on an ornate gold throne-like seat under a gold arch with a triangular top, flanked by golden lion-like sculptures and tall brass lamps. Behind him, a figure in bright clothing stands near the arch. Rows of devotees in orange and saffron sit on the floor with palms pressed together and oil lamps held aloft, while a long line of banana-leaf plates with food offerings stretches along the right side. Colourful striped parasols hang overhead and a small gold kalasha-like vessel sits near the front. A line of white-clad women and sannyasis sit to the right of the offerings.2016-12-18