offerings IN!

IMG_6386
Originally uploaded by cdevida

finally, when the offerings are all poured into the fire -- all the fruits, seeds, oils, flowers and the individual flowers, incense and dried coconut that the people have been holding throughout the homa -- it is a beautiful moment when it all goes into the fire!

everyone applauds, and the smoke gets intense -- so sweet and highly scented! -- rapidly. then the whole group breaks into smaller groups to make pradakshina -- rounds around the fire.

on this day, the last day of the Navarathri, the Victory Day, when Mother Divine slew the horrendous demon Mahisasura (aka Raktabija), we did 9 pradakshinas around the fire.