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A photograph of an outdoor water ritual at a stepped tank. A man in an orange-red sleeveless top and orange dhoti stands on wet stone steps, leaning toward a flower-decked platform draped with striped pink, green and blue cloth. Garlands of white jasmine, yellow marigold and red flowers hang along the platform, and a palm frond rises beside it. Behind, a man in a white dhoti stands in the water, and others in white and orange watch with hands folded. An orange-clad attendant on the left holds a brass tray with lamps. A striped red-and-white stepped structure forms the backdrop. Ritual setting: possibly abhishekam or a water-based puja.

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July 08 20092009-07-08A ceremonial water ritual at a stepped tank with red and white checkered walls. A figure in an orange-red sleeveless garment with hair tied back stands on a raised decorated platform draped in a maroon cloth and striped rug, reaching toward a garland-covered canopy. Thick garlands of orange, red, yellow and white flowers hang around the platform. Around the water, devotees in white and yellow shawls press palms together, while people in orange robes hold a golden kalasha-style vessel and a tray of offerings. Flower petals float on the water and a man in white holds a woven basket.2009-07-08July 08 20092009-07-08A flower-decorated wooden boat floats in a water tank lined with red and white striped steps during a temple festival. A tall man in an orange-saffron robe stands on the boat's cushioned platform, which is draped in red and striped fabric and bound with garlands of white, yellow, purple and red flowers. Many people in white clothes and orange robes stand waist-deep in the water around the boat, some holding brass lamps and trays with red flowers, while others watch from the steps. On the left edge, a brass platter and ceremonial lamps rest on a dark stone ledge scattered with rose petals. Palm trees and a small temple structure appear in the background. The scene resembles a theppotsavam, a float festival, and the man on the boat is described as a person because of his saffron robe, tall stature and central position on the decorated float, though his face is not clearly discernible at this size.2009-07-08July 08 20092009-07-08July 08 20092009-07-08Outdoor photograph of a temple tank ceremony with a red-and-white striped stepped ghat behind a crowd standing in shallow water. A man in a saffron-orange dhoti and sleeveless top stands on a flower-decorated raised platform, one arm extended, holding a woven basket of petals. Garlands of orange, yellow, pink and white flowers with purple blooms and green palm leaves decorate the platform and a golden canopy. In the foreground, men in orange robes lift brass plates of offerings and a tiered golden kalasha-like vessel, while devotees with folded hands look on. Scattered petals float on the water. Approximately thirty people are visible.2009-07-08A photograph of a floral-decorated boat procession on a water tank with red-and-white striped steps behind it. A flower-garlanded boat carries a central figure seated beneath an orange-and-white canopy, with a second robed attendant in orange near the prow. Garlands of white jasmine, yellow marigold and purple flowers hang along the boat, and palm fronds decorate its sides. In the foreground, a crowd of devotees stands waist-deep in the water, several in white and red clothing, and one woman in a green sari. A seated figure in a saffron robe is in the boat, and the setting suggests a temple-tank festival procession.2009-07-08Photograph of a floral-decorated boat-style procession float in a water tank with red-and-white striped walls and palm trees behind. A man in an orange-saffron robe stands on the float holding a small bell and a plate. Many people wade in the water around it: several men in white clothes with yellow scarves, some in orange robes holding golden kalasha-shaped vessels and brass plates of petals, and devotees with palms pressed together. Crowded onlookers stand along the steps. The float is draped in red cloth and garlanded with white, yellow, red and purple flowers, appearing to be a theppotsavam float ceremony.2009-07-08A photograph of a temple ritual in shallow water at a flower-decorated palanquin with a red cushioned seat and gold-carved backrest. A man in an orange-saffron robe with bare upper body stands on the palanquin, reaching toward the seat, with cascading floral garlands in orange, purple, and white around it. Around the palanquin, devotees in orange, white, and yellow clothing stand waist-deep in water, several holding brass plates with offerings and a brass kalasha, while others raise hands in prayer. The setting is a red and white striped tiered wall with potted plants behind, consistent with a theppotsavam float procession. Swamiji candidate appearance: long swept-back hair, orange saffron robe, and ceremonial palanquin role are visible, so this is a probable identification.2009-07-08July 08 20092009-07-08A photograph of a floating temple-style boat decorated with garlands of white jasmine, orange and yellow marigolds, purple flowers and green palm fronds, set in a shallow pool beside a red-and-white striped wall. A man in an orange robe and orange shawl stands on the boat's red-draped deck, leaning forward to receive offerings. Several devotees wearing orange and yellow garments stand waist-deep in the water, holding brass plates and kneeling near the boat's edge, with a brass kalasha-style vessel and a plate of offerings at the lower edge. Onlookers line the pool's edge, some in white and some in saffron. This appears to be a theppotsavam float ceremony.2009-07-08