'arati' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'ārātrika' or 'ārāti', where the root is related to removing darkness or distress by offering light.

'arati' passed from Sanskrit/Prakrit forms (such as 'ārāti'/'ārātrika') into various North Indian languages (e.g. Hindi 'ārti' or 'ārāṭī') and was adopted into English as a loanword (spelled 'arati', 'aarti', or 'arti').

Initially it referred to the act or item used to drive away darkness or distress; over time it came to denote specifically the devotional ritual of offering light to a deity and the associated songs.