Arti, also spelled arati or aarti, is a Hindu religious ritual of worship in which light, usually from a flame, is offered to one or more deities. It also refers to the songs sung in praise of the deity at the same time as the light is being offered. The ceremony usually consists of the waving of lighted lamps before the image of a god. Typically, the worshipper circles the lamp three times in a clockwise direction while chanting a prayer or singing a hymn. Arti is one of the most frequent parts of worship both in temple and privately. In many Indian households, arti is a commonly observed ritual for honored guests to the home, and can also be part of many domestic ceremonies. Through the arti ceremony, one’s entire existence and all creation are symbolically offered to the gods.
The arti ceremony is said to have originated as a descendant of the ancient Vedic concept of fire rituals, called homa. The word itself comes from the prefix ‘aa’ meaning complete and ‘rati’ meaning love. The ceremony is meant to demonstrate completely and total love towards the gods. Within the home, arti is typically performed twice daily, each morning and evening. It is often the concluding prayer in religious festivals.
When describing her paternal home in Khulna, Haimabati Sen writes, “In the temple, eight cymbals, a number of large bells, and two conch shells were used to make music during arati, ritual worship with a lamp” (7). This description is just one of many ways that Sen shows how her cultural and religious practices were very important in her upbringing, and how these ceremonies were a part of her life from a very young age.
Sources:
“Arti.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/arti.
“– BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.” BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir London, londonmandir.baps.org/worship/arti-the-hindu-ceremony-of-light/.
“The Arti Ceremony.” Heart Of Hinduism, iskconeducationalservices.org/HoH/practice/worship/the-arti-ceremony/.