Diwali Diyas: Brighten Up the Festivities With Traditional Clay Lamps

By Amrith K. A.

Diwali is appropriately known as the festival of lights and the name has evolved from the word, Deepavali. It is one of the most effervescent festivals of India that surpasses religious and geographic boundaries.

Deepavali, in the literal sense, means a row of lamps and is symbolic of the lighting that are integral to the festival. Traditionally, Diwali is celebrated with spectacular illumination; laced with exquisite lamps that are crafted out of clay. They are an integral part of the festivities and add to the fervor of Diwali.

Since it is a five day event, Diwali diyas find prominence on all the five days, more so, on the first and the third day. Houses and surroundings are lit up with an array of clay lamps. The sight is indeed so spectacular that Diwali is appropriately known as the festival of lights.

The History Of Clay Lamps (Diyas)

In recent times, various forms of craft and embellishments have gained prominence in Diwali decorations. In keeping with the present trends, these adornments are embellished with beads, paint, mirror work and sequins, in order to enhance the appearance.

In addition to the decorative importance, there are several mythological aspects that are entrenched deep into the tradition. The history of clay lamps dates back to 2700BC or earlier and among the earliest of diyas was the saucer-shaped lamp.

The styles then changed from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age and they were used in few areas into the medieval times. They developed in antiquity and the shallow bowl with edges was folded to form a spout.

This was followed by the Herodian style which was named after its wide usage during the reign of Herod the Great. Darom, Hebron, Marisa and Askelon were the names of the successive lamps. More recent ones are the lamps in Bethany, Jerusalem and Golgotha styles.

Contemporary Diwali Diyas

The Diwali diyas in recent times, are more ornate and more of a decorative piece in addition to serving the purpose of illumination. Attractive candles may be used to festoon the entrance and rangoli areas. The art of embellishing the traditional clay lamps is a widely seen phenomenon and an integral part of the Diwali craft.

The art of embellishing the traditional clay lamps is an integral part of the Diwali craft

The Purpose Of Diwali Diyas

The main purpose of Diwali lamps may be to festoon homes during Diwali, but there is much more to these versatile diyas. They are used to offer respects to the deceased ancestors and are floated on leaves in the holy rivers of India. This ritual is widely practiced during the festive occasion.

The Enchanting World Of Diya Design

The miscellany is manifold as there are traditional potter-made diyas and the commercially manufactured ones. The latter is available in many varieties and a wide range of designs.

They may be embellished with zari, mirror work and beads. Besides, there may be gems of precious stones and other decorative items. The latest rage is that of electric diyas that are easy to handle and nonetheless enthralling.

Diwali diyas crafted by ceramic designers are a rage too, more so in the urban locales. Creative ones with sharply cut edges, decorated with cutwork and filled with bright colored wax, look attractive and are easy to handle.

Fragrant and dried flowers may also be used to decorate it. Clay or ceramic lamps in vivid colors add to the effervescence of Diwali celebrations.

Diwali Gifts – Infibeam.com is an online shopping destination & community that focuses on selling Electronics, Home & Lifestyle products, Automobiles, Gifts, and a lot more at lowest price. Send Diwali Gifts & Diwali Diyas to India with free shipping.

Discuss this article with other parents on Facebook and Twitter.

Additional resources:

Free Ebook: How To Budget A Family Vacation – Download it with our compliments when you optin to receive our newsletter and confirm your subscription.
Goa Beach: Guide to Beaches of Goa – Planning on taking the brood to Goa this Diwali vacation? Check out this guide for Goa beach holiday destinations and travel tips for that special vacation, off the beaten track.
Last Minute Traveler: How Procrastination Can Save You Money - The essential guide to last minute travel deals that only available if you are able to travel at the last minute. Having open travel dates can open up a world of possibilities for you when you know how to grab a last minute deal to your dream holiday.