[hva er puja] is a question in Norwegian asking what "puja" means. Puja (Sanskrit: पूजा) is a religious ritual or ceremony often performed in Hinduism and Buddhism as an act of worship or reverence. It involves devotional homage, prayers, and offerings to one or more deities or divine figures. The rituals often include lighting lamps or candles, offering flowers, food, water, incense, and sometimes singing or dancing. Puja is an expression of respect and hospitality and can take place at temples, household altars, or open spaces. It serves both to honor the deity and spiritually connect the worshipper with the divine. It can also celebrate special occasions, guests, or life events such as births, weddings, or religious festivals. In Hinduism, puja is a common practice with varying frequency—from daily home rituals to temple ceremonies. It is a form of bhakti yoga aimed at devotion and spiritual consciousness. The ritual can represent the divine in idols, images, or symbolic forms, with the interaction between human and deity called darshanam. In Buddhism, puja also functions as a religious observance, such as Māgha Pūjā, which commemorates important events in the Buddha’s life and teachings and involves communal activities like almsgiving, meditation, and listening to Dharma. Thus, "puja" is a ritualistic act of worship and veneration with deep cultural and spiritual significance in South Asian religious traditions including Hinduism and Buddhism.