Avahana

(“summoning”) The first of the sixteen
upacharas (“offerings”) given to a
deity as part of worship, which is done
to treat the deity as an honored guest.
Although the literal translation of this
word (“summoning”) seems inappropriate for interacting with a god, the
true sense of the word is inviting the
deity to become present for worship,
just as one would invite a guest into
one’s house for hospitality.