Om Swami
Is doing rituals the same as starting true bhakti?
Bhakti is a bond that grows slowly
Mistaking some rituals you do in your life for bhakti is not even the beginning of true bhakti. True bhakti is a bond you create with your ishta (chosen deity) over a period of time.
It is a bond you create with your ishta, your deity, over a period of time. It grows on you gradually and steadily, and you fall in love with the divine.