Traditions Of Diwali lightings

With Diwali round the corner, every contour of India, gets illuminated with lights of myriad colors. Diwali itself is shortened from of a Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means "row of lights". So, the very etymology of this word indicates towards the immense importance held by Light in the festival of Diwali. This is probably the reason why another name for the festival of Diwali is 'Festival Of Lights'.

In Hindu Pauranik Shastras as well as in Vedas, 'Light' is associated with truth, purity, Knowledge, virtue and all goodness in the world. Most importantly, Light is also referred to our soul, which is the ultimate truth and is a manifestation of the Almighty himself. Above all, Fire is believed to be an integral element of our being. With a number of important allusions attached to it, Light is a must to accentuate every happy occasion.

But, Diwali is associated with Light for more reasons than mentioned above. Mythological stories say that when Lord Rama along with his wife Sita & brother Lakshman arrived in Ayodhya, the whole path was enlightened with rows of Diyas so that they do not distract from the right way in darkness. People also made beautiful Diya Rangolis to adorn the pathways from which their Lord is coming. Diwali stands for the triumph of virtue over vice, good over evil. The same lesson it imparts to the human kind. If put in today's context, it preaches brotherhood and encourages to destroy the evil prevalent in our society.

In contemporary times too, people put a diya under the plant of Tulsi for many days after as well as before the actual Diwali falls. No street is untouched with the glow of lights. With changing times, the guise of light too has donned new avatars. Nowadays, Diwali lightings come in various colors as well as forms, shapes and sizes. Decorative chandeliers, zari fixed clay lamps, colorful candles, handi lamps with innovative designs are available in the market. The Amavasya night of Diwali is brightened up with such decorative lights and by bursting firecrackers. Beautifying houses and outdoor places indicates towards the jubilation of attainment of peace and prosperity