Aarti is an Indian ritual of worship performed as a part of a Puja (religious ceremony to convey gratitude to deities). The elements in an Aarti platter are generally flowers (denoting the Earth), a small jug of Water, lighted oil-lamps (Fire), a fan made of peacock feathers (Air) and incensed sticks (Ether): it symbolizes an offering of the 5 elements which form the universe, thus offering one’s entire existence to God. Aarti also refers to the songs sung in the praise of God or deities while the lamps are offered.
During the Aarti, the plate or lamp is rotated clockwise in front of the deity. It is believed that the power of the Lord is acquired by the lamp or platter, which is then circulated among the audience to allow them to take the blessings. An Aarti is a beautiful form of worship if one understands its significance: as the light from the lamps ends darkness and illuminates, so shall keeping God in the centre of our lives dispel the darkness of ignorance and brighten the minds with the light of knowledge.