Skip to content
Nithyanandapedia
Outdoor procession on a dusty road with a richly decorated float (ratha) draped in marigold and yellow garlands, hanging bells and multicoloured tassels, topped by orange and multicoloured canopies (chhatras). A seated figure in red and dark clothing sits on the float, a golden trident-like staff rises at the back. Crowds of devotees in white dhotis and white kurtas, some in orange shawls and saffron garments, walk alongside and reach up to touch the float; several have folded hands. A white bus with a 'Be Blissful' and Ananda Ratha sign is visible at left, and a green gate and trees stand behind. The participants count is large, well over twenty.

More like this

Open the gallery
December 27 20092009-12-27A festival procession on a dusty road under a clear blue sky, with palm trees behind. A richly decorated ratha or palanquin, covered in yellow marigold garlands, white jasmine strands and multicoloured tassels, carries a seated figure wearing a gold crown and red-and-gold garments beneath an orange canopy with fringe. A kalasha-like gilded finial tops the structure. Around it, men and women in white dhotis, kurtas and sarees walk alongside, while several men in saffron/orange robes with rudraksha malas and orange shawls accompany the chariot; one man on the right has long hair and a gold necklace. A white van behind reads BE BLISSFUL. A large umbrella with a blue-and-green design and emblems walks beside the procession. Foreground devotees in white and yellow shawls observe.2009-12-27December 27 20092009-12-27A festival procession on a dirt road with palm trees and a utility pole behind. Centre: a richly decorated chariot (ratha) draped in yellow and orange marigold garlands, tassels, and a large orange canopy umbrella. A seated figure rides atop it, with a ceremonial fan or chamara held aloft. Around it, devotees in white dhotis and kurtas with yellow or orange shawls and lanyards walk alongside, some pulling ropes or guiding the cart. A few men in saffron/orange robes stand at right, one wearing a rudraksha mala. A white bus with partial lettering is visible at left. Several people are in the frame, and the chariot is heavily garlanded.2009-12-27December 27 20092009-12-27December 27 20092009-12-27December 27 20092009-12-27December 27 20092009-12-27A festive temple-style procession on a dusty open ground. A decorated golden palanquin with a tiered canopy, yellow and orange fringed umbrella, and garlands of marigolds and tassels is carried forward. A figure seated on the palanquin wears orange and red clothing and a crown-like headdress. Around it, devotees in white kurtas with yellow shawls and women in orange or white saris walk and dance, some holding a coconut and a brass vessel. A white bus with a banner reading BE BLISSFUL and a sound system stand in the background, with spectators and trees beyond.2009-12-27December 27 20092009-12-27Outdoor festival procession on a dusty road with a large crowd of devotees walking close together under bright sky. At centre, a golden palanquin with a decorated canopy in red, yellow and multicolour tassels and garlands rises above the crowd, with a figure seated under it. Orange saffron flags are held aloft. Behind, a white van with the words Nithyanandam and Be Blissful stands near a sound system on a platform. Many people wear white and orange clothing, while some women wear saris and western summer clothes with sun hats. Tents and buildings appear in the background.2009-12-27A photograph of a festival procession on a sunny day under palm trees. A flower-covered ratha is carried forward by devotees in white clothes and yellow shawls. A seated figure on the chariot wears a crown, red beaded garlands and a rudraksha-style necklace, under a large orange canopy with tassels. The ratha is decorated with marigold garlands, yellow and orange tassels, bells and colourful streamers. Behind it, a white van with a 'Nithyanandam' sign and loudspeakers is parked. Women in white and orange saris and men in white kurtas walk alongside, some holding garland strands. A wooden pole and a low brick wall frame the scene.2009-12-27