Latest Rangoli Designs Freehand

Diwali Diyas - Brightening Up the Festivities

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

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:

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 Purpose

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

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.

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.