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Night photograph of a Karthikai Deepam-style outdoor ritual: a large dry-straw bonfire with flames and smoke burns on the left. A row of white-clad men in dhotis and white shirts stands with hands folded in namaskar behind a red-and-gold throne-like seat. A figure in saffron-orange robes sits on the ornate red and gold peetha, flanked by a man in orange cloth and a man wearing a tall ceremonial headdress. On the right, attendants in white and a white-clad man hold a decorated ceremonial standard and fan, beside an illuminated decorated palanquin or chariot with a yellow cloth and garlands. Roughly a dozen people are visible.

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November 21 20102010-11-21Night 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.2010-11-21Night outdoor ritual at a temple courtyard. A large heap of dried palm fronds and sticks burns at the left edge, sending up smoke and sparks. A row of men in white dhotis and shawls stands with hands folded, many holding small items, with a few wearing saffron and red cloth. Seated on a gold-trimmed red throne is a figure in an orange-red robe and a red-orange shawl, flanked by attendants; a red canopy and a decorated saffron flag with a fan-like ornament stand at the right. A visible flame beside the bonfire and the dark background indicate a Karthikai Deepam lamp-lighting celebration. The seated figure's identity is not established by appearance alone.2010-11-21November 21 20102010-11-21Night-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 20102010-11-21Night 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.2010-11-21Night photograph of an outdoor festival scene with a large bonfire of dry sticks blazing at the left edge, sparks rising. A standing man in an orange-brown robe stands at centre-right holding a long pole or stick pointed toward the fire. Behind him, a seated figure in orange clothing sits on an ornate red-and-gold throne beneath a yellow-and-red canopy. Devotees stand in a line on the right, some in orange saris and orange robes, others in white dhotis and shirts, many with white or yellow garments. A decorated structure with a deity murti in a framed alcove and strings of green and white lights sits at the right background, with a bright floodlight overhead. Several people stand in the background in white and orange clothing.2010-11-21November 21 20102010-11-21Night outdoor ritual at an open ground. A large burning fire sits in the foreground on the bare earth, with flames rising from a log pile. Behind it, a line of about two dozen standing devotees, many in white dhotis and white shirts, some in orange and maroon garments, face a raised platform. On the platform, an ornate golden seat stands beneath a large decorative umbrella, with a figure seated on it and another umbrella and a decorated canopy to the right. A tall wooden pole rises at the right edge, and a crowd of onlookers in dark clothing fills the background under dark trees.2016-03-02 +2 copiesNovember 21 20102010-11-21Night 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.2010-11-21