Aarti
Aarti
Aarti
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 mother goddess and sing and chant a devotional composition. This is done whilst whilst clapping hands, with some people holding a decorated tray of small lit divas ( wicks ) which they wave in a gentle swaying motion.
The dancers for several hours having swirled and whirled in dance, now with all onlookers, gather in a circle several lines deep and surround the central figure of the gloriously decorated and adorned divine goddess. The worshippers then commence singing and chanting in unison and harmony, continuing in this worship and veneration for a short while, usually for about ten minutes.
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Ooooo Oooooo
There is radiance flickering and shimmering, bells tinkling and jingling, eyes sparkling and shining, the fragrance of sweet mellow incense flowing and mingling with mesmerising mantras, casting an enchantment, upon these fortunate ones gathered in praise and adoration
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Ritual
Divas
It is believed that through this ritual of the aarti, the 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
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