This is the right way to perform Aarti

Every Hindu household, across the world, has one thing in common - the early morning puja and aarti. Performing aarti once the worship is done is a ritual deeply rooted in tradition. To many, more than a religious dictate, aarti is a spiritual practice. It creates a sacred atmosphere, with the lit up diya, the fragrance of camphor and the mantras that surround the atmosphere. The rhythmic chanting of hymns and the gentle flicker of the aarti diya instill a sense of peace and devotion in people’s hearts. This ritual not only purifies the surroundings but also purifies the heart and mind, which helps develop a deeper connection with the divine.

But, the problem arises when people don't perform the aarti correctly. It is mentioned in many religious texts that any act should only be done when you know how to do it correctly. Be it chanting a certain mantra or performing the aarti. So, how should it be done right?
The first step in performing aarti involves circling the aarti diya four times around the feet of the deity. This could be the image of the Gods in your home temple or the idols that you have. Circling the aarti thali four times around the feet of the deity is an expression of surrender, a signal that you are ready to submit yourself in the feet of the divine.

Following the circling of the aarti thali four times around the feet, the aarti diya is then waved twice around the torso of the idol or picture of the Gods. The navel represents the source of life and creation in Hindus, and is a symbol of the cosmic centre from which the universe was created. In fact, it is believed that Lord Brahma was born from the navel of Lord Vishnu!
By encircling the navel, the devotee accepts the divine as the sustainer of life.

Next, the aarti diya should be circled once or twice (according to how your family has always been doing it) around the face of the deity. This gesture is a symbol of the recognition that there is a divine power in the deity’s face, a sense of positivity that devotees get when looking at him or her. Circling the aarti diya or thali around the idol or picture is an expression of devotion and admiration for the Gods and their compassion, wisdom, and grace.

After completing the aarti around the feet, torso, and face of the deity, the aarti thali should then be circled six to seven times around the entire idol of the deity. This complete encircling around the whole idol or image symbolises the wholeness of the divine manifestation and the energy that the deity represents.
When we circle the aarti thali all around the idol we worship the God as a whole, for all their divine powers and attributes and ask for their blessings and forgiveness for any misdeed. It is a worship of all aspects of life and energy that is housed in that idol or deity.

The aarti diya, lit up with camphor or with ghee or with normal oil is a means of purification and spreading positivity. As the flame of the diya flickers, it removes any form of darkness and negativity, which results in a more positive and pure energy around the house. The light of the aarti diya symbolises the removal of ignorance and the lighting up of spiritual consciousness.