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Night ritual photograph on an outdoor stage. A bare-chested priest in an orange dhoti with a green-edged border and red sash pours an offering from a small vessel toward a fire pit lined with flowers. Beside him a second man in white dhoti and garland holds a microphone. Behind them a flower-decorated shrine or ratha-like structure with a kalasha and offerings stands against a white and red striped wall. At right, a seated figure in maroon and a gold-and-red garland sits on a gilded throne before a deity murti dressed in a yellow and red garland with gold ornaments under a red canopy. Brass oil lamps flank the fire, and bowls of fruit sit on the stage. Silhouetted heads of onlookers appear at the bottom edge.

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February 16 20162016-02-16Night ritual photograph at an outdoor stage with a decorated deity murti behind a flower-garlanded altar. Three priests stand at left; the foremost wears an orange dhoti and bare upper body, holding a small metal vessel, while others wear white dhotis. A fire or lamp burns on a low gold-edged platform in front of a tiered brass and floral altar piled with fruit and offerings. A golden arched canopy frames a deity murti draped in red, decked with marigold garlands and gold ornaments. A seated figure in dark red clothing sits on a gold chair at right. Smoke drifts across the scene. Several people are visible at the bottom edge, mostly seen from behind, consistent with a puja or homa.2016-02-16Night-time ritual at an open-air shrine with a sacred fire pit (homa) blazing at center, sending up smoke and flames. A priest in an orange dhoti and bare chest stands at left holding a lit lamp or offering, with another priest in white behind him. On the right, a deity murti is decorated with yellow and white flower garlands and sits beneath a gilded arch with red drapes and a golden umbrella. A person in a maroon garment sits on a gold-edged throne-like seat beside the shrine. Oil lamps and brass vessels are arranged around the fire, with seated devotees in the foreground at bottom, some in red and white clothing. Decorated processional shrines with flowers appear in the background.2016-02-16Night ritual on a stage with smoke rising. Two priests stand at left: the foremost wears bare-chested with an orange dhoti and a white-beaded garland, holding a brass plate; a second priest in white dhoti holds a lit lamp. Centre stage a tiered shrine decorated with yellow and purple flowers and garlands holds small deity murtis, flanked by lion figures and oil lamps. A large fire pit with offerings and flower-covered platform sits in front. Right, a seated figure in dark red-brown robes with a flower garland sits on a gold-framed throne before an ornate gold arch draped in red fabric, with a golden deity face framed by garlands. Audience of women and girls in the foreground, some in white and red, watch the ritual.2016-02-16February 16 20162016-02-16February 16 20162016-02-16February 16 20162016-02-16 +1 copiesFebruary 16 20162016-02-16 +1 copiesFebruary 16 20162016-02-16 +1 copiesNight-time outdoor ritual at a temple-like shrine. A priest in orange dhoti and bare chest tends a fire pit (homa) with a flame and offerings, while another man in white dhoti holds a conch-shaped vessel and a third in white stands at left. Behind them a deity murti in a golden gilded shrine is adorned with yellow and white marigold garlands and a pearl necklace, with a red cloth backdrop and a red-and-gold umbrella overhead. At right a seated devotee in a maroon-brown cloth with folded hands and garland sits on a gilded seat near a striped canopy. Oil lamps, flower petals, and brass vessels surround the area.2016-02-16February 16 20162016-02-16 +1 copiesFebruary 16 20162016-02-16