The night of Diwali is also bejeweled with millions of flickering candles and
an explosion of fire works and fire crackers, so it is known as the Festival of
Lights. Lighting of lamps (Diya: earthen small pot) is one of the most beautiful
aspects of Diwali. It is the festival of Row of Lights. It is always celebrated
on the darkest night of the year. The lamps signify enlightenment or up-liftment
of the mind and edification of the spirit. Historians say it was perhaps a Jain
practice, that the came to be adopted by all. The Jains began lighting lamps to
symbolize the immortality of the spirit. On the day of Diwali, the whole house
is lighted with oil lamps. In addition to lighting the facade and the sides of
the house, one lamp is always placed in areas which are dark, however far they
maybe. No corner of the area around the house and the house itself is left dark.
Traditionally oil wick lamps were lit. Gradually, tradition accommodated candles
in place of lamps, since they were easier to manage. Today, even the plush electric
fitting shops call a sale and people buy lamps of various kinds to light up their
house. Terra-cotta lamps have also made a comeback and some lovely designs in
lamps are available. Some even have Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha carved out
on them. |
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