Diwali · Guide
Arrange the Puja Thali
Arrange the thali so the essentials are visible and easy to use during the family puja.
An organised aarti thali keeps small items separate so the family can find them calmly. Use shallow bowls for roli and rice, check the diya holder before lighting and leave enough clear space to handle the tray. This is an arrangement guide; the ritual contents and order come from your household practice.
Keep ready
- Aarti thali
- Diya and wick
- Roli or kumkum
- Rice and flowers
- Incense and camphor
- Small bowls for offerings
Step by step
- 1Place the diya in the centre or a stable side position according to your family practice.
- 2Use small bowls for roli, rice and flowers so they stay separate.
- 3Keep incense and camphor away from loose paper or cloth.
- 4Add a small flower, spoon and matches or lighter in a safe place.
- 5Do a dry run before puja so nothing needs to be searched for mid-ritual.
Helpful notes
- Use a tray with raised edges for small items.
- Keep matches and lighters with an adult.
Plan ahead
Wash and dry the thali and bowls in advance. Do an unlit dry run, keep matches or lighters separately with an adult and remove loose paper packaging before puja begins.
Common questions
Does the diya have to be in the centre of the thali?
Placement depends on the tray and your family practice. The lamp must be secure, suitable for its fuel and clear of loose items, regardless of whether it is central or to one side.
Can children carry the lit aarti thali?
Give children supervised non-flame roles instead. An adult should handle the lit tray, hot holders, matches and camphor.