It is believed these Divas acquire the spirit and power of the deity, The divas are then circulated amongst the worshippers, who will lightly cup their downturned palms over the flame and then raise their palms over their forehead so that the divine blessing passes from the flame to the devotees.

People also place currency notes or coins in the tray of divas as a token of their appreciation for the blessings of the divine.

At a devotional Garba event, the first two hours or so are devoted to performing Garba dances. There is then a short period of communal worship known as an Aarti, in which the gathering stand in a circle around a image or sculpture of a deity and sing and chant a devotional hymn. This is done whilst whilst clapping hands, with some people holding a decorated tray of small lighted wicks ( Divas ) which they wave in a gentle swaying motion.

It is quite a sight to see gatherings of a few hundred to over tens of thousands all actively engaged in this devotional worship, with an abundance of small flickering flames radiating all around.

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aarti

a billion divas shining and flickering

dancing and shimmering