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Outdoor photograph at sunset of a homa or fire ritual on bare earth. A square fire pit built of white bricks sends up smoke, with flowers, a plate of garlands and offerings, and a small oil bottle on a white cloth in the foreground. Several men in white dhotis and white shirts stand around the pit, one with arms outstretched. Behind them a saffron-clad sannyasi with a garland, a pale tent canopy with red and green trim, palm trees and devotees with umbrellas in the background.

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January 12 20072007-01-12Outdoor ritual at sunset among palm trees: a square fire pit built from white bricks with smoke rising from it and red flower petals scattered on top. Several devotees in white dhotis and kurtas stand around, and a man in a white kurta and white dhoti stands near the pit. Behind them a crowd of people in white, saffron and colourful saris gathers beneath red, green and orange canopy umbrellas. In the foreground on the left, a white cloth holds a metal plate of flower garlands, a small jar and a bowl of offerings. Two men in white shirts stand on the right side of the frame, and a figure in orange robes holds an object near the crowd.2007-01-12January 12 20072007-01-12December 25 20062006-12-25December 25 20062006-12-25Outdoor ritual yagna under a corrugated shelter with palm trees and red and pink draped cloth behind. A square fire pit with a sacred fire sits on a mat at the centre, flanked by a silver kalasha and small brass lamps. Numerous men in white dhotis and shirts stand with palms joined in prayer among rows of white stone platforms holding offerings. On the right, a figure in orange robes with a white flower garland stands at the pit, and several people in saffron-orange robes stand beside an ornate peetha-style seat with a decorative backrest. Festive flags and small canopies line the background. The scene appears to be a homa or puja during a brahmotsavam-type celebration.2006-12-25February 11 20072007-02-11An outdoor homa fire is burning inside a square brick fire pit on bare earth. Smoke and flames rise from wood and offerings, with marigold garlands on the brick edges. A priest in a yellow dhoti and bare chest stands at left, feeding the fire, with a brass vessel nearby. Behind the pit, a crowd of devotees watches: women in saris of green, pink and orange, and men in white dhotis and shirts. A bare-footed man in a white dhoti and shawl stands near the centre, and boys in red and plaid shirts stand at right. The setting looks like a temple consecration or kumbabhishekam ceremony.2015-05-01Outdoor ground-breaking ritual under a canopy of mango leaves and colourful fringed cloth. A bare-chested man in an orange turban and orange cloth sits cross-legged with hands folded in prayer, wearing a white flower garland and a rudraksha mala; his distinctive orange head covering and garlands are visible, but his face is turned down and partly obscured, so the appearance is uncertain. Around him, white-clad devotees and others in orange sit or stand with palms pressed together. In front of him are brass plates of flowers, fruit and offerings, and small oil lamps with flames. To the left, a pit in the earth lined with bricks and a small mound with a decorated floor design mark the site. Smoke drifts across the scene.2006-11-24Outdoor fire ritual under a large banyan tree with dense aerial roots. A square stepped fire pit of yellow-orange bricks holds a small burning fire. A man in a white dhoti and white head wrap sits cross-legged on the left, tending the fire with a long ladle-like implement, with a bronze bowl beside him. A bearded man with long dark hair wears an orange-saffron shawl over white clothing and holds a small object while standing near the pit. Behind them, seated devotees in white and saffron clothing and several standing people watch. On the right, a decorated table draped in white holds a garlanded deity murti with orange, red and yellow flower garlands, flanked by brass vessels and a silver urn. A red and gold ornate umbrella hangs above the altar.2005-03-08 +1 copiesOutdoor ritual scene under a shaded pavilion with pink, red and orange drapes and a row of purple-and-white bunting. A bare-chested priest in an orange dhoti with a flower garland raises a lit lamp high above an altar piled with fruit and flower-decorated trays. Devotees in white dhotis and saris stand with hands folded around him, and red and orange umbrellas stand behind. A square fire pit of white bricks sits at left with offerings and brass vessels, and a row of brass bowls with flowers lines the front of the altar. Several dozen people are visible.2006-12-29Outdoor homa ceremony at an open-air ritual site under a metal frame with strings of purple and white bunting. A bare-chested man in an orange cloth stands centrally, wearing a white garland, facing a square fire pit bordered with marigold and flower garlands, with fruit, brass pots and bowls of flowers on a mat in front. Around him, men in white dress and orange shawls stand with hands folded, and women in white saris with orange and red borders stand behind a low brick fire-altar row. Pink and orange draped fabric and large ornate umbrellas frame the scene, with a palm tree at left.2006-12-29