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Photograph of a floral-decorated float or platform in shallow water beside a red-and-white checkered wall. A man in orange robes stands on the float, leaning forward and holding a metal plate with offerings toward devotees. Several devotees wade in the water in orange and white clothes, reaching up with raised arms toward the plate; one holds a woven basket. Garlands of orange, red, white and yellow flowers cover the float's canopy and sides. Other people stand in the water and at the edge, including a bald man in a brown shirt with a rudraksha mala. This appears to be a temple water ritual with a float decorated with flowers.

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July 08 20092009-07-08A 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 photograph of a floral-decorated ceremonial chariot standing in shallow water beside tiered red-and-white steps. A man in an orange-saffron robe stands on the chariot, his bare feet on the colourful striped cloth, reaching toward a basket of flower petals. The chariot's gold-and-red throne is garlanded with white jasmine, orange marigolds, purple flowers and green palm fronds. Around it, devotees in wet clothes stand in the water, some with hands folded in prayer; others in orange and yellow shawls hold brass plates, kalasha-style vessels and lit oil lamps on the edge. Several people in orange robes pour water and offer trays. a person is the man in the orange robe on the chariot, identified by his presentation: saffron clothing and an ornate garlanded throne setting.2009-07-08July 08 20092009-07-08A flower-decorated ceremonial float, or ratha-like palanquin, stands in a water tank lined with red-and-white striped steps. A man in an orange saffron dhoti and wrap, with long dark hair swept back, stands on the float raising one arm toward the crowd; his appearance fits the a person cues of long hair and saffron clothing, though the face is not used for identification. Around the float, devotees wade waist-deep in water, many in orange and white, holding brass plates of flowers and offerings, and orange-robed priests lift a brass vessel and a tray. The float is draped with white and orange garlands, yellow marigold strings, purple flowers and green foliage, with a canopy overhead. Several onlookers stand on the tank edge, and a brass lamp stand sits at the left.2009-07-08A photograph of a floral-decorated wooden float in shallow water at a temple tank, with red-and-white striped stepped walls behind. A standing figure in orange robes, with long dark hair and bare arms, stands on the float beside an ornate gold-and-red throne heaped with garlands of white, orange and yellow blossoms. Several people in saffron and orange robes wade around the float holding brass plates and a gold kalasha-shaped vessel, and devotees in white and yellow shawls stand in the water, some with hands raised in prayer. The float is decorated with striped cloth, palm fronds and purple flowers. This appears to be a theppotsavam float procession.2009-07-08A 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.2009-07-08Outdoor 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 flower-decorated floating ratha or raft in a shallow tank with striped red-and-white walls. A central figure in a saffron-orange robe, with long dark hair and bare feet, stands on the raft over a colourful striped cloth, reaching down with a basket. Around the raft, many people stand waist-deep in water, several in saffron and orange robes and some in white, holding trays of offerings, brass vessels and lamps, and raising their hands. Garlands of marigold and purple flowers hang along the structure, with a kalasha-topped canopy above. The scene suggests a water ritual or theppotsavam procession. a person is the central figure standing on the raft, identified by long swept hair and saffron robe.2009-07-08A 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.2009-07-08A 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.2009-07-08A 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.2009-07-08