diyas

Diyas, also spelled diya or deepa, are small oil lamps widely used in the Indian subcontinent during religious observances. The word diya derives from Sanskrit and Hindi for lamp, and similar terms appear in many Indian languages as deepa or deepam. Traditionally made from clay, diyas can also be fashioned from metal or glass and range from plain to elaborately decorated. They are designed to burn oil or ghee with a cotton wick.

Construction: A typical diya is a shallow, open bowl that holds a small amount of oil and a porous cotton wick. The wick is lit and left to burn, with the flame often placed near entryways, altars, or windows. Diyas may be arranged singly or in rows, and larger displays are common in temples and during festivals.

Significance and use: Diyas symbolically drive away darkness and ignorance. They are central to Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in which homes are illuminated with rows of lamps and illuminate Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Similar lighting customs are observed in Jain and Sikh communities, where lamps mark Mahavira’s nirvana and various Gurpurab or Bandi Chhor Divas celebrations, respectively.

Variations and material: While clay remains the classic form, metal, ceramic, and glass diyas are common. They come in different sizes and decorations, from plain, unglazed pots to intricately painted or gilded lamps. In contemporary settings, electric or LED diyas are used for safety, while conventional oil lamps continue in traditional rituals and temple settings.