GNG5282296: Aarti is generally performed at the end of a puja or bhajan sessionIt is performed during almost all Hindu ceremonies and occasionsIt involves the circulating of an 'Aarti plate' or 'Aarti lamp' around a person or deity and is generally accompanied by the singing of songs in praise of that deva or personIn doing so, the plate or lamp is supposed to acquire the power of the deityThe priest circulates the plate or lamp to all those presentThey cup their down-turned hands over the flame and then raise their palms to their forehead - the purificatory blessing, passed from the deva's image to the flame, has now been passed to the devotee, Haridwar, India / Bridgeman Images
GNG5281485: Hindu prosternating on the Goverdan Parikrama pilgrimage trail. Govardana Parikrama [circumambulation Ñ going 21 kilometres (13 miles) around the hill] is a sacred ritual performed by many believers as spiritual purification. The dandavata (full prostration) Parikrama is an arduous form which may take weeks and sometimes even months to complete. Goverdan Inde / Bridgeman Images