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A decorated tent interior set for a ritual. On the left, a man in saffron-orange robes and a rudraksha mala sits on an ornate silver-and-gold throne with a heart-shaped backrest, a flat-topped parasol above him. A small fire burns in a square gold-trimmed homa pit in the foreground, with brass plates and offerings nearby. On the right, a decorated deity murti stands on a gold-and-silver pedestal draped in marigold and red flower garlands, and a gold-ornamented arch frames a second murti. A priest in orange dhoti stands at right holding a lit aarti lamp toward the deities. Striped multicolored cloth covers the floor, and banana leaves, yellow marigold strings and hanging oil lamps decorate the ceiling.

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December 19 20162016-12-19A photograph of a homa at an outdoor pavilion. A large fire blazes in a raised golden fire pit in the foreground, with a seated priest in orange and a rudraksha mala behind it on an ornate cushioned seat under a decorated arch. Behind the fire, a young attendant in white and orange stands near an ornately decorated deity murti and a golden palanquin-style seat. Garlands of marigolds hang from the ceiling and surround a decorated altar with a deity murti. Colourful striped mats cover the floor and scattered petals lie around the fire pit.2016-12-19A night-time homa in a covered pavilion. A fire burns in a square golden fire pit at centre-front, surrounded by brass plates of offerings and flower garlands. Behind it, a bearded man with long hair in a rust-orange shawl and rudraksha-style beads sits on an ornate golden throne with a red cushion and a decorated peetha. To the right, a golden-framed shrine holds a deity murti draped in white and yellow garlands with a lit lamp. Yellow marigold garlands hang across the ceiling, and a priest in orange dhoti stands at the far right near the shrine with a flower-decorated kalasha. A standing attendant in an orange dhoti and gold necklace stands at left, and another figure in white sits near a banana plant. Colourful striped mats cover the floor.2016-12-19December 19 20162016-12-19December 19 20162016-12-19A photograph of a temple-style ritual hall under a tented ceiling strung with yellow marigold garlands and banana leaves. In the foreground, a square wooden homa fire pit burns with a flame, surrounded by brass vessels, plates of offerings and a striped cloth. To the left, several women in orange and saffron garments stand with folded hands while a woman in a saffron sari pours from a vessel near the fire. On the right, a richly decorated shrine holds a deity murti adorned with flower garlands and a crown, flanked by a gilded peetha throne and a silver-canopied seat. Several people in orange clothing stand in front, with one man in white at the back.2016-12-19Night-time ritual in a open-sided pavilion with a striped rug floor. A wooden square fire pit with a bright flame sits in the foreground surrounded by white flower petals and small offering trays of fruit and sweets. Behind it, several men in orange and saffron dhotis stand near decorated shrines draped with yellow and orange marigold garlands, a banana plant, and a brass lamp stand. A standing priest in an orange dhoti and bare upper body holds a ritual implement near the fire. A seated figure in a brown robe with a garland sits on an ornate gilded throne with a canopy. A decorated deity murti stands in a shrine on the right, adorned with flower garlands. The scene suggests a homa or yagna ceremony.2016-12-19A photograph of a fire ritual inside a decorated tent at night. A square golden fire pit with flames and smoke sits in the centre, surrounded by brass plates of offerings, flower petals and fruit on a striped cloth. A seated man in a brown-orange robe with a garland sits on an ornate golden throne with a gold and red patterned backrest, facing the fire. Standing priests wear saffron and orange dhotis; one holds a long ceremonial staff near the throne. To the right, a golden shrine-like canopy is hung with yellow marigold garlands, and a deity-like murti or decorated figure sits with flower garlands. A standing woman in an orange sari stands at right holding an offering. Banana leaves and yellow flower strings decorate the tent ceiling.2016-12-19A photograph of a homa fire ritual in a covered hall at night. A fire burns in a raised golden fire pit in the foreground, with offerings and a brass bowl of flowers nearby. A man in an orange dhoti and shawl stands at the left holding a microphone on a stand, while a seated man in a brown robe with a purple garland sits on an ornate golden-and-black throne behind him. On the right, a deity murti decorated with yellow and white garlands sits in a golden shrine arch, and a banana plant, a yellow flower garland strung across the ceiling, and hanging lamps complete the setting. A colourful striped mat covers the floor. Several people in orange and white attire stand near the shrine.2016-12-19December 19 20162016-12-19December 19 20162016-12-19December 19 20162016-12-19