How to do aarti

Aarti (also arati) is the ritual of waving a lit lamp before a deity, with songs of praise, at the end of a puja and at fixed times in the day in temples. It is a way of showing the deity the light, and of receiving the light back.

Steps

1. Wash your hands and, ideally, bathe; stand or sit in front of the image.
2. Prepare the aarti thali (see what goes on it) and light the lamp, and camphor if you use it.
3. Ring a bell with the left hand, if one is at hand, throughout the aarti.
4. Hold the thali in the right hand, or both, and move it in a clockwise circle in front of the deity. Common practice is to make a few circles at the feet, two at the navel, one at the face and several over the whole image, then to move it round seven times. Families differ.
5. Sing or recite the aarti of the deity (see the table of aartis). All present may clap in rhythm.
6. When the song ends, lower the thali. Everyone passes their hands over the flame and touches them to the eyes and forehead, which is a way of taking the light.
7. Offer the prasad and share it. Many people finish with a short prayer for peace.

When

In temples aarti is performed several times a day. At home most families do it once or twice, after the morning puja and at dusk. Dawn and dusk are the most common times.

Common courtesies

• Do not blow out the lamp; let it burn out or snuff it gently.
• Do not walk across the front of the deity during the aarti.
• Children can ring the bell or hold the small lamp with an adult, which is a way to include them.

This page describes common practice in plain words. Families and temples differ, and your own tradition comes first. We do not print the words of the aartis and chalisas here; use a printed book from your family or temple for the exact text.