From the Land of the Rajas:

Creativity in Rajasthan

The basic religious practice of Hinduism is called puja (“worship, homage”).  During puja, the deity is invited to descend into its image in a shrine, where it is treated as a guest.  Observances include:  offerings of flowers, fruit, sweets, and other foods; incense and the lighting of lamps; bell-ringing and music; sprinkling with holy water; and the recitation of chants.  At the core of puja is darshan (“seeing”) the experience of seeing, and being seen by, a divine being.  In Hinduism sight is the main way that gods communicate with people and vice versa.

Pabuji temple
Photo by Shalini Ayyagari, Kolu, 2005–06