How to: Give your guests a traditional Indian welcome

I hope you enjoyed the rangoli post. Now, if you are planning on having an Indian-themed party, try incorporating an Aarthi welcome for your guests.

Pic courtesy Sandeep

 
The Aarthi is the traditional Indian welcome extended to guests. It is a very simple gesture, but can make any guest feel welcomed, wanted and special!

Before the guest arrives, decorate your doorstep with a rangoli as per my previous post. Then, keep the following items ready:

• A garland for each guest.
• Lighted diyas. If one member of the host family is doing the aarthi, then use just one diya. If 2 of you are doing it, use 2. If you find it difficult to get your hands on diyas, use a simple T light in a small holder.
• If you have some vermilion powder, place some in a small decorative box, and arrange it on a brass plate or a decorative thali with the diyas around it. Also place a flower on the plate. Special aarthi thalis like the one shown in the pic are available here.
• Wear Indian attire, and a big warm welcoming smile.

When the guests arrive, greet them at the door. Since they might not be expecting a traditional Indian welcome, ask them to pause a moment.

Guest with garland and vermilion tikki pic courtesy: Don

Then garland each guest, and request him or her to wait at the threshold. Proceed to do the aarthi as follows:

• Wave the aarthi in front of the guests in 5 clockwise circles.
• Then apply the vermilion on their foreheads with the tip of your thumb.

Remember to wear a smile throughout the welcome, and gently usher in your guests after the ceremony.