Mangal-arati begins some time between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., when the Deity's curtains are opened and the Pujari blows the conch. Prior to opening the curtain, the Pujari has awakened the Deities, offering them Balya-bhoga of morning paraphernalia, water and milk sweets or other preparations suitable for early morning. The transcendental sound of the conch (shankh) is blown to signal the awakening of the Deities, who appear still dressed in their pajamas, without garlands or jewellery.
While the Pujari is performing Mangala-arati, the devotees offer their obeisances and take up kirtana, which involves a set program of songs. Srila Prabhupada instructed that this kirtan should last no more than 20 to 25 minutes, and there should be little variation in the song selections or the order in which they are sung.