Hindus can worship God in many different forms. Some worship Vishnu, some Shiva, some Rama, some Krishna and some worship God as the Mother Goddess. Worship is carried out in front of an image (called Murti) of their chosen form of God, called the deity. The worship ceremony is called puja.

The image of God placed in a little shrine in the home. The image is decorated, mainly with flowers. Water is sprinkled in the shrine to make everything pure. A mark or tilak is made on the forehead with coloured powder. This helps people focus their minds on God. At the start of the worship, a lamp is lit in front of the image. It is a way of asking God to lead us from ignorance to light. Food is offered to the image to show gratitude to God for everything he has given us. An incense stick is lit, which gives out a sweet scent. Sometimes a little bell is rung during the worship. It helps to block out other disturbing sounds. The lamp, or sometimes the incense stick, is waved gently in front of the image. This is called the arati. It is way of welcoming God into the home. After this, the family members may sit in front of the image and sing hymns or holy songs. They may read from the scriptures, or sit quietly and meditate on God. Some may tell beads and repeat the name of God. At the end of the worship, everyone bows to the deity. The food that was offered the beginning is now shared and eaten by everyone. This sanctified food is called prasad.

During the puja ceremony, all our senses are engaged and directed towards God. Our eyes see the image of God and the lighted lamps; our noses smell the lovely scent from the flowers and incense. Our ears hear the tinkling sound of the bell and the hymns being sung, and we can feel the beads while we are repeating the name of God. We also get a chance to eat the prasad. The puja ceremony engages all our senses and directs our mind towards God. This routine gives us a break from daily chores and allows us to think of higher things. We feel calm and happy at the end of the ceremony.

Reference: Primary Hinduism by Seeta Lakhani (Ch.5, 'Worship And Celebration', p.55,57)