Arati is the performance of a traditional religious ceremony. It is considered very auspicious for the person who performs it and for anyone who attends the ceremony.

Many Hindu families in India and abroad will make a point of attending a temple arati ceremony once or twice a day, as well as performing the ceremony at home.

Arati articles

The ceremony itself is very beautiful to see and involves the use of a conch shell, bell, flowers, incense, lamp, water, flowers, cloth, and yak-tail and peacock fans. The articles represent the material elements (earth, water, fire, and air) in their pure form.

The conch shell blown at the beginning and end of each ceremony is said to drive away inauspicious elements. The sound of the bell embodies all music. Flowers and incense provide beautiful aromas. The lamp represents lighting someone's way. Offering water in the conch shell is a traditional way of greeting an honored guest as part of reception. The handkerchief represents offering new cloth. The yak tail fan and peacock fan provide a cooling breeze.

Times for arati ceremonies

• 04.30 Mangala
• 07.15 Shreengar
• 08.20 Dhupa
• 12.30 Raja Bhoga
• 15.20 Utthana
• 19.00 Sandhya
• 20.50 Sayana

During the 04.30, 07.15, 19.00, and 20.50 ceremonies there is also musical accompaniment.

To download the 2010 Vaishnava calendar, please click here.