Meaning: A Hindu religious ritual of offering light to deities, often performed during prayer ceremonies.
History: Originating from ancient Vedic practices, aarti involves circling a lit lamp or flame before a deity while singing devotional hymns. The flame symbolizes divine illumination.
Usage in Trinidad: Aarti is performed during daily prayers, at the end of puja, and during major Hindu festivals like Diwali and Navratri. It’s a central act in Trinidadian Hindu homes and temples.
Example: “The family gathered every evening to perform aarti, offering prayers to Lakshmi Mata for prosperity.”
