Diya (lamp)
Diya (lamp)
A Diya, diyo, deya,[1] divaa, deepa, deepam, or deepak is an oil lamp used in the Indian subcontinent, notably India and Nepal, usually made from clay, with a cotton wick dipped in ghee or vegetable oils. Diyas are native to the Indian subcontinent often used in Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Zoroastrian religious festivals such as Diwali[2] or the Kushti ceremony.
Traditional use
Clay diyas are often used temporarily as lighting for special occasions, while diyas made of brass are permanent fixtures in homes and temples.
Festivals
Diwali: The lighting of diyas forms a part of celebrations and rituals of the festival. Houses are decorated with small diyas placed at boundaries and entrances.[3] In fact, the name of Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means the row of lights ("deep" means Diya and "avali" means row).[4]
Karthikai Deepam: Diyas, also known as deepam in Tamil Nadu, can be lighted, especially during the Karthikai Deepam.
Worship and prayers
A diya placed in temples and used to bless worshippers is referred to as an aarti.
A similar lamp called a butter lamp is used in Tibetan Buddhist offerings as well.
Hindu Rituals
See also
Butter lamp
Oil lamp
Aarti
Rangoli