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A 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.

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July 08 20092009-07-08A 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 float decorated with garlands of white, yellow, orange and purple flowers and green leaves, with a golden canopy and trident finial, sitting in water. A standing man in saffron-orange robes stands on the float holding a small lamp or offering dish. Around the float, many people stand waist-deep in water, some in saffron robes and others in white with yellow shawls, some holding brass offering trays and plates with flowers. Striped stepped tiers rise behind the water and palm trees appear in the background. The orange-robed figure has short hair and no crown, turban or rudraksha mala visible, so his identity is uncertain.2009-07-08July 08 20092009-07-08A flower-decorated wooden float with garlands of white jasmine, orange and red blossoms, purple flowers and green leaves stands in a shallow water tank beside striped red-and-white walls. A barefoot man in a saffron-orange robe stands on the float, holding a basket. Around it, saffron-robed priests and devotees wade in the water, some holding brass plates, a silver kalasha-like vessel and offerings, while others in white and yellow garments stand with hands folded. This appears to be a theppotsavam float-boat ritual in water. Several onlookers stand along the edge, and a kalasha with flowers rests on the pool edge at left.2009-07-08July 08 20092009-07-08July 08 20092009-07-08Outdoor ritual at a temple tank with white and red striped stone steps. A figure in saffron-orange robes stands at the left edge on a black stone platform near a kalasha-style brass vessel, while another saffron-robed figure stands waist-deep in water at center, arm raised. Devotees in white and light clothing stand in the water and along the edges, many with hands folded in namaskar. On the right, a decorated ratha/palanquin is draped with white and yellow marigold garlands, purple flowers and banana-leaf decorations, with a saffron-clad attendant standing beside it. Offerings and brass items sit on the platform in the foreground, and a rudra-style abhishekam-type water rite appears to be underway.2009-07-08A photograph of a floral-decorated boat-shaped ratha or palanquin set in a water tank with white and red striped steps behind it. A man in saffron-orange robes stands on the decorated platform, bending toward offerings on brass plates held by saffron-robed attendants wading in the water. Marigold and jasmine garlands in orange, yellow and white decorate the structure. Devotees in white and yellow shawls stand waist-deep in the water on the left, some with hands folded, and onlookers line the edge in the lower right. A brass kalasha and a plate of offerings sit at the front corner. The page identifies this as a theppotsavam event at Bidadi temple.2009-07-08A decorated floating boat-stage on water in front of a striped white-and-red stepped tank, used for a temple water festival. A young person in an orange-saffron garment sits under an orange-and-white canopy on a gilded throne, surrounded by garlands of white, yellow, orange and red flowers and purple orchids. Offering plates with flowers and a brass vessel rest on the platform; a devotee in orange stands waist-deep in the water at left and onlookers watch from the bank. Potted plants line the top of the steps.2009-07-08Outdoor 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.2009-07-08