The Yagya series began with a full day of Ganesha yagyas. 

First, a full puja was performed.

and then the fire yaya (homam) was performed with all the traditional ingredients including 1008 sweet modaka balls as seen in the top of the photo below.

The final offering is called poornadhuti and is tied in a bundle of cloth.  Here you see dates, coconut, puffed rice, sesame seeds and betel leaf.

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The Rig Veda consists of over 10,000 verses all of which are recited during an 8 day period of time.   The priests start chanting at 7 AM and continue through 1 PM. 

The day begins with the traditional Ganesha puja. The master pundits bring their students for the experience because this is a rarely performed yagya.

With every second line, an offering of ghee and sesame seeds are offered into the yagya fire.