|
HINDU DIYA (DEEYA)
Diwali, the festival of lights
is celebrated with great enthusiasm by
Indians all over the world. It is a five
day Hindu festival and during this time,
homes are cleaned and windows are opened
to welcome Lakshmi, goddess of
wealth.
Candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to the goddess,
while gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared to
celebrate this happy occasion.
Lamp or “Deep” is the symbol of knowledge. Lighting the
lamp of knowledge within us means to understand and reflect
upon the significant purpose of each of the five days of
Diwali festivities and to bring those thoughts in to our day
to day lives.
Diya is a small lamp and it is also known as 'Deepak' or
'Deep'. We may call a deep, the traditional replacement of
candles. The diyas could be of made of metals and blue
pottery also as designer diyas have deen introduced in the
stores, but usually the diyas are made by clay and then
baked.
In the Hindu culture the deepaks made of clay have
special significance, as they are preferred in all the holy
rituals and worship of Gods and Goddesses. The small clay
diyas are heavily in demand when it is time to celebrate
Diwali. The bond between Diwali and diya is just as unique.
Diwali is a festival of lights and the diya exists only to
give light to the world.
|
