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Night photo of a large bonfire of dry sticks and straw blazing at right, sparks rising. Behind it, a crowd of devotees stands in a dirt yard under strings of lights, with decorative umbrellas on poles above. Several people in saffron and orange robes stand near the fire, and others wear white dhotis and shawls. The mood is ceremonial.

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Night photograph of a large bonfire of dry sticks blazing at the centre, with sparks rising into the dark sky. Behind it, a line of people in white dhotis and shawls stands along a temple-side walkway, while to the left a figure in saffron-orange robes and a tall cylindrical headdress stands among others. Several ceremonial umbrellas with coloured stripes and string lights are visible in the background, and a temple structure with pillars frames the right side. Ceremonial fire ritual.2010-11-21Night photograph of a large bonfire of dried sticks and branches blazing at right, flames rising high at a Karthikai Deepam-style outdoor celebration. Along the left, a line of people stands facing the fire, including a man in orange robes wearing a tall ornate headdress and beaded necklace, and others in white and saffron clothing. A large decorated ceremonial umbrella with red and multicolour panels is held aloft at upper left, and strings of lights and bunting hang under a canopy in the background. About 20 to 30 people are visible.2010-11-21Night-time photo of a large bonfire of dried palm fronds and straw blazing at left, with flames and sparks rising. Beside it, a line of about eight men in saffron-orange robes stands on bare sandy ground, several with orange shawls, rudraksha malas and bead necklaces; one at centre wears a tall crown-like headdress. Men in white dhotis and shirts stand behind and to the right, one holding a long pole. A tall ceremonial umbrella with red and cream stripes and a fringe is raised above the group, and a decorated banner or flag hangs at right in the background.2010-11-21November 21 20102010-11-21November 21 20102010-11-21November 21 20102010-11-21November 21 20102010-11-21Night photograph of a large bonfire of dry sugarcane or straw stalks blazing with tall orange flames and sparks on a paved outdoor ground. To the right, a line of people in saffron and orange robes and white dhotis stands in a row, watching the fire. A figure in a white shirt on the far left tends the fire. A red-and-white striped ceremonial canopy or umbrella stands on a pole behind the crowd, and a small flag is visible at upper right. The scene suggests a Karthikai Deepam fire ritual at night.2010-11-21A large bonfire of dry reeds and sticks blazes at night on a dirt ground, flames rising high with a tall bundle of grass tops at its crown. Behind it, a row of people stands in a loose line, mostly women in white sarees with red borders and a few men in white dhotis and a reddish-pink shirt. A pillar and a hanging wooden frame with a curved pipe sit at the upper left under dark sky. The scene reads as a ritual fire lit outdoors during evening observance, with onlookers watching the flames.2010-11-21Night outdoor ritual at a dusty ground. A large bonfire of dried reeds and sticks burns at left, flames rising. Behind it, a line of people in white dhotis and shawls stands, some with palms joined. In the centre, a seated figure in orange robes sits on an ornate gold-trimmed chair or palanquin seat. A tall saffron-robed sannyasi with a shaved head stands at right with hands folded, beside women in white saris with yellow borders and orange saris. Ornate umbrellas and a decorated canopy stand at upper right under lamplight. The scene suggests a Kartheekai Deepam fire ceremony; the seated figure's identity is not established from appearance.2010-11-21November 21 20102010-11-21November 21 20102010-11-21