So, just as the festive season has begun in India with Navaratri; we cannot name a single festival that is celebrated with minimal pomp in India. All are enjoyed in their own style in various parts of India. Following Navaratri, comes the famous Durga Puja and then Dussehra . What comes next?
Image Source: Prokerala.com
Diwali Greetings
Down the lane, after all this- we have Diwali. This is one festival that is celebrated with equal pomp and fervour in all parts of India. Of course, dresses and good food hold eminent positions in the Deepawali festival, but the cute little earthen lamp called ‘Diya’ is one that adds a religious charm to the festival. So, let’s take a walk on the story lane of The Earthen Lamp: Diya
The World Of Diyas, Deepawali, and Goodness Over Evil
Wow, the Festival of Lights is here!
Diwali 2018 happens to be on November 7th. It is known to be one of the grandest festivals that lighten up each and every Hindu household. It is a delicate blend of mythology, Indian culture and Hinduism.
Diyas: The Earthen Beauty
Diyas or in other words Earthen Lamps are the essence of every Diwali celebration for centuries. Make sure you have these small, colourful lamps in stock prior to the Diwali celebration.
Light the Symbol of Love & Happiness
Whether you are rich or poor, Diwali is incomplete in the absence of the humble earthen lamp. Deepavali is often interpreted as ‘Row of Lights’ which in Indian language means ‘ Deepon ki avali’..
Diwali Diyas ready to reach homes!
From small cute ones, large beautiful earthen pots- diyas come in all shapes and sizes. Long before Diwali reaches homes, these diyas are made months before the actual festival. It is the one time that such diya sellers earn a handsome saving to survive throughout the year.Connected Reads: Why Diwali Shopping is much awaited by all? Learn now!
Diwali Shopping Spree!!
Once the Diwali season sets in, you can see lots of stalls in India announcing the ‘Diwali Dhamaka’ sale. A great time to purchase diyas, fire crackers, good clothes, toys, new utensils, gifts, gold, and one more thing that we cannot leave aside... Sweets!! !
Lights in the modern version
Now, diyas were a thing of the past and thankfully, many people still follow the tradition of lighting the lamp. Nowadays, markets sell various forms of lamps and lanterns that are more decorative and vibrant.
Diya: The Epicentre of every Puja
Even if it is not a festive season, Hindus use the diya or any type of lamp to pray, and please the Gods accordingly. Diya symbolises that light can defeat the power of evil and that will protect the devotees. Be it Durga Puja or Holi , a diya has a special place in every household.
The Making of the Diya
The diya making process starts off with a lump of clay and with delicate and patient moves- the potter transforms into the Deepawali Diya.
When Clay Takes Shape
A step by step process where this clay lump is thrown on the wheel head, and simultaneously the potter pinches the clay with the forefinger and the thumb.
Potter’s Experience Counts
This job is one tricky process whereby the diya should be shaped and then removed skilfully from the wheel with the help of a cheese wire.
The Final Touch
The clay object should be taken off from the bottom without causing harm or disturbance to the shape. The potter ensures that the lamp has the right curve, thickness and shape before finishing the making of the lamp.
Diya Making: A professional tradition passed down the Indian heritage
Look at the piece of art. So beautifully crafted in a matter of minutes. Definitely not an artwork for the faint-hearted!
Their toil is our light
There are potters who have dedicated their lives for generations – exclusively for the making of the Diwali Diya Lamp. It’s a once in a year affair, and a big hats off to the care they put into this skilful art.
Mechanization takes over
In the past, the entire process was manual, but with the introduction of mechanized machines, work has become a lot easier.
Baked to perfection
Once they are shaped, they are baked until they become hard and take proper shape. These are kept to dry before the beautification process commences.
Bringing life into Diyas
In the past, diyas were not painted. But as creativity and competition flooded the markets, diya sellers paint and beautify their lamps with the brightest of colours and intricate designs.
Gone is that Earthen Feel!
Take a look at the ones that have been painted and the ones that have not been! Nope, these are not creative artists nor designers, just humble potters who wish to do their best in the work they have been doing for generations.
The Diwali Diya Makeover
Once the festive season is on, you can witness a plethora of diyas in different sizes and shapes and even colours. The latest ones are huge and can carry more than one light in it.
Make me pretty!
That is surely some colour bath that is going on in there! Guess it is Holi time for these cute lamps!
Jyots are set to be lit!
Jyots or Diyas are filled with oil, wax and cotton wicks. The oil symbolises bad characters like jealousy, anger and greed. The cotton wick symbolises the aatmav or self.
Shun Materialism
By burning the diya, it signifies that the person is being purified spiritually and letting go of worldly ills and making an attempt to live according to the Creator.
Bringing in light: Diwali
By lighting the decorative diya, it also signifies that the house and the people in it are blessed with knowledge and wisdom.
Don’t forget me in the Rangoli
Rangoli holds an important place in Deepawali. People draw designs with colourful powders and then place lighted diyas amidst them. Didn’t buy your rangoli and diya yet? Why not get it online?
Ward off evil this Diwali
Diwali signifies that all bad and inauspicious things will come to an end and this is a good time to begin new phases of your life. If you plan higher studies, or build a house, or move to foreign places, or travel or even join a new company.. this is a great time to make a religious beginning.
Happy Diwali!
Spread the message that good can defeat evil under all circumstances. In a world of filthy thinking, abuse, and injustice.. this time learn to gift essentials to the needy and spend happy times with your loved ones.