The Aarti Ceremony
Mira watched Paati draw a tiny rangolimoon-dust. outside their flat door. “Today is for the goddess,” Paati whispered, sprinkling white rice flour like
The Goddess in the Puja Room
hibiscusIn the puja room, the goddess smiled from her frame, her red sari bright as a . A little silver crown glittered on her head. Mira loved looking at the goddess, but today Paati said, “You do the aarti.”
Mira's Moment
Mira’s hand trembled as she held the brass plate. The lamp’s flames danced close to her fingers. What if she dropped it?
She glanced at the goddess. The painted eyes looked calm, almost like Amma’s when she hummed. Mira took a deep breath and circled the lamp, slowly, steadily.
goddess is listening,” Paati said. Mira smiled back at the quiet, glowing goddess.The bells chimed, jasmine smelled sweet, and Paati’s voice was proud. “The