Diwali Diyas

Posted on August 11, 2007 in Diwali Gifts

Diwali Diyas

Diwali which is a major Hindu festival is celebrated on a grand scale all over India on Naraka chathurthasi day just on the dawn of Ammavasya during the months of September or October every year. The festival represents the traditional Indian values that emphasize the importance of defeating ignorance that suppresses humanity and to eliminate darkness that obstructs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights at present, in contemporary age, brings to the fore the rich and magnificent past of India and stresses on the need to sustain the basic principles of life.


The word “Diwali” is the modification of the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”, Deepa signifying light and Avali implying a row. It represents a chain of lights and certainly illumination forms its major lure. Almost every Hindu household is lit with diyas or small earthen lamps to hail the arrival of Lakshmi, Goddess of riches and opulence.


Diwali diyas are lit in commemoration of Lord Rama’s homecoming after his fourteen year exile. Lord Rama who was a distinguished warrior King was banished from the kingdom by his father Dashratha, the King of Ayodhya after being provoked by his wife to do so. Rama’s wife’s Sita alongwith his younger brother Lakshman, accompanied him in his exile.


After vanquishing the demon Ravana Lord Rama returned to his kingdom in Ayodhya at the end of his 14 years of exile. The victory of Lord Rama over Ravana signified the triumph of good over evil and people welcomed him back home by lighting rows of clay lamps and since then Diwali is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil.


Lighting up Homes and Hearts

In India Diwali diyas are lit on Diwali eve for the purpose of lighting up both the homes as well as the hearts of people with a proliferation of light. In reality the Diwali diyas together with the Diwali lamps have a special significance in the history of Diwali traditions. Diwali diyas are essentially a constricted form of light emitted by small earthen pots with wicks made up of cotton and some ghee in them.

These Diwali diyas are employed for offering prayers to gods and the departed ancestors as part Diwali ritual in India. Many float diyas on the rivers as a mark of tribute to the ancestors and as a mark of reverence for the deities. There are various types of attractive Diwali diyas available in the market during Diwali. The most modern among these diyas are the electric diyas, which are available in diverse shapes and sizes.


These Diwali diyas are at times used for adorning the idols of the deities or are used for decorating the puja trays.



Apart from these Diwali diyas there are diyas with mirror work and zari decorations. Diyas adorned with dried flowers, pictures of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi as well as other Diwali motifs is also available in plenty. Diyas are also obtainable in the form of roses, leaves and even Goddess Parvati or Lord Ganesha as well.


Diwali candles are also used to illuminate households on the occasion of Diwali.

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