Aarti is derived from the Sanskrit word aratrika which means something that removes ratri , darkness.

Aarti is derived from the Sanskrit word aratrika which means something that removes ratri , darkness. Another word from which Aarti is thought to be derived is the Sanskrit word Aaraartikyam.

Aarti is said to have descended from the Vedic concept of fire rituals, or homa. In the traditional aarti ceremony, the flower represents the earth (solidity), the water and accompanying handkerchief correspond with the water element (liquidity), the ghee or oil lamp represents the fire component (heat), the peacock fan conveys the precious quality of air (movement), and the yak-tail fan represents the subtle form of ether (space). The incense represents a purified state of mind, and one’s "intelligence" is offered through the adherence to rules of timing and order of offerings. Thus, one’s entire existence and all facets of material creation are symbolically offered to the Lord via the aarti ceremony.

Aarti can be simple to extravagant, but always involves flame or light. It is sometimes performed one to five times daily, and usually at the end of a puja. It is performed during almost all Hindu ceremonies and occasions. It involves the circulating of an 'Aarti plate' or 'Aarti lamp' around a deity. In doing so, the plate or lamp is supposed to acquire the power of the deity. The priest circulates the plate or lamp to all those present. They 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.

The purpose of performing aarti is the waving of lighted wicks before the deities in a spirit of humility and gratitude, wherein faithful followers become immersed in God's divine form. It symbolises the five elements:

space (akash)
Wind (vayu)
Fire (agni)
Water (jal)
Earth (prithvi)
(or in this sequence 'Bh'umi (Earth),'A'gni (Fire),'G'agan (Space),'Wa'yu (Wind),'N'eer (Water) (BHAGWAN) ✨🔥✨🔥✨

Har Har Mahadev ~ Shubh Prabhat 🌟⭐️🌟