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A night-time photograph of a temple-style ritual in an open pavilion. A standing priest in white dhoti and shawl raises a brass lamp or aarti tray toward a shrine of deity murtis decorated with flowers, garlands and silver-edged backdrops, lit by strings of red lights. Several men in white dhotis sit cross-legged on mats in front, some with hands folded in prayer and one holding a plate of offerings. At the right, a person with long dark hair wrapped in a turquoise shawl sits in a red upholstered armchair with gold trim, facing the shrine.

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Night puja before a large decorated goddess murti with a silver-white arched backdrop and an umbrella canopy overhead. A standing priest in an off-white dhoti and a garland holds a tray of oil lamp flames near the image. Several seated men in white dhotis and garlands sit cross-legged on a mat in front of the murti, some holding brass plates of offerings. On the right, a woman in a turquoise blue sari sits on a red upholstered chair. String lights and bright lamps glow around the setting. The image shows an evening puja and aarti ritual.2010-10-15Night photograph of an outdoor pandal with a large decorated deity murti and a red-and-gold ceremonial chair in the foreground. A standing priest in a white dhoti and shawl holds a brass plate near an offering; several seated men in white dhotis, some with bare shoulders and gold necklaces, sit on mats in attentive prayer, one with hands folded. A woman in a light blue sari sits in the chair at right. Ceremonial lamps, string lights, paper lanterns and a white umbrella canopy frame the image. Offerings and a water bottle are on the floor.2010-10-15Night photograph of a temple puja inside a decorated pandal with fairy lights. A standing priest in white dhoti and shawl with rudraksha-style beads holds a tray of offerings near a large goddess murti with multiple arms, a bright blue body, and a white ornate halo and canopy. Beside it are smaller murtis and a decorated frame. Three seated men in white dhotis sit on a mat in the foreground, one holding a brass plate with flowers. A woman in a blue sari sits at right on a red cushioned chair. Oil lamps and a flower garland are visible at the altar. Two people are partly visible at the far back.2010-10-15Night-time puja at an outdoor temple stage before a large deity murti of the goddess, with a white umbrella canopy and white floral decoration. A priest in white dhoti and shawl stands at left raising a lit lamp toward the deities, with fairy lights and bunting above. Several seated devotees in white clothes sit on a mat in the foreground, one wearing a yellow-trimmed dhoti. A figure in orange robes kneels at the right beside offerings, and a person in a blue shawl sits on a red velvet chair at far right. Smaller deity figures, including an elephant-headed form, are arranged around the central image, with kalasha-style decorations and brightly coloured canopies.2010-10-15Night puja before a decorated deity murti arranged with white floral backdrop and a white canopy above. A standing priest in white dhoti and shawl raises a flaming lamp toward the image. Several seated devotees in white cloth sit on the floor before the shrine, and a woman in a blue sari sits on a red throne-like chair at right. Offerings of fruit and brass vessels lie on a mat, and colourful strings of lights and striped bunting hang overhead.2010-10-15October 15 20102010-10-15Night-time ritual in an open-sided pavilion. A person seated on a red upholstered throne with gold-coloured arms wears a blue turban and blue cloth draped over the shoulder, with long dark hair, facing a deity murti display decorated with white floral arches and an umbrella canopy. Several shaven-headed men in white dhoti and shawl sit cross-legged on a mat before the display, some holding brass plates and offerings; one wears gold chains. A figure in orange robes stands at the right edge. Electric string lights, hanging orange and red banners and a water bottle complete the scene.2010-10-15 +1 copiesA dim temple hall with a homa-style ritual in progress. In the foreground, several shaved-headed priests in white dhotis and cloths sit on mats facing an altar; one kneels with a metal bowl near a fire pit. Behind them, large decorated deity murtis stand in an ornate arch of white lace-like frames, with smoke rising and string lights glowing on the walls. On the right, a figure in a bright blue turban, blue garments and gold-threaded accents sits on a red velvet throne with gold trim, hands folded, with a water bottle nearby. Several other people sit in the background. Appearance-based candidate present on the throne, identity uncertain.2010-10-15Photograph of an indoor ritual hall at night with strings of red lights on the walls. A seated figure on a red velvet throne with gold trim wears a turquoise turban, turquoise shawl and gold necklace, with an orange cloth draped over the armrest; a person candidate with a turban, shawl and ceremonial gold necklace. Before a large canopied altar of deity murti adorned with white and flower garlands, smoke rises. Several men in white dhotis and shawls, some bare-chested with gold necklaces, sit on mats before brass plates and offerings, apparently performing a puja. A small child sits near the throne at right.2010-10-15Night photograph of a puja ceremony under a canopy strung with lights and bunting. Several shaven-headed priests in white dhotis sit cross-legged on a mat in front of a decorated deity display of multiple painted murtis and ornate white-and-silver backdrops. A standing priest in white holds a lit oil lamp, an aarti gesture. Brass lamps, metal plates of offerings and red flowers or petals lie on the mats. Red cushions and an orange cloth sit at the right edge. No one is clearly identifiable as a person in the visible frame.2010-10-16Night-time photograph of a deity murti decorated with a white floral and lace backdrop, a large white canopy with red fringe overhead, and brass oil lamps in front. A figure seated on a red and gold throne with an orange cushion, wearing a blue wrap, is seen from behind, facing the deity. Priests in white clothing stand at left, and an orange-robed attendant stands at right near the throne. Colourful striped poles and small umbrellas frame the scene, with a Ganesha figure at far left.2010-10-15October 15 20102010-10-15