How to perform proper Puja

[Sachin95]

Namaste, although always being a Hindu I have recently decided to become more spiritual and religious and I was wondering how do you perform a puja by yourself at home? Any tips or steps would be greatful. I have many photos in the corner of my room (shrine) of many deities such as ganesh, shiva, durgamata. I usually pray with my japa and just say ganesh mantras but I wish to extend my prayers so all help is appreciated

[Viraja]

Puja involves all of the following: (as opposed to normal worship)

Lamp
Incense
Flowers
Food
Bell
Camphor

First light lamp. Then light the incense stick. If you have slokas to recite, please recite them next. For puja, if you have a hymn book on Ganesha, it will normally have 108 names of ganesha, called 'Ashtottara'. Normally people would recite this, offering flowers at each utterance of the 108 names and in the end, offer food (while ringing bell) and light camphor and show it to Ganesha in circles. (called Aarthi).

Online puja: http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/ganeshpuja.htm

[Sachin95]

Thank you so much!