Why are ‘diyas’ lit?
( Diyas — Lamps )
Ever wondered why diyas are lit? I haven’t. I have just done it ritually and never questioned why we do it. This is for a couple of reasons. One, I didn’t think a lot about it. Because I have seen it happen so often, it was just something very normal to me. And two, because aise he hota a raha hai.
( aise he hota a raha hai — It’s always been done like that )
However, some time back, I came across the significance behind lighting diyas and I was very intrigued. Never did I think there was such meaning in something so mundane. And so I thought, why not share this message with people. They might find it intriguing too. So here I am.
Let’s begin with the body of the diya. This cotton wick symbolises the self. This is us.
Next comes the ghee in the diya. This symbolises our negativity and vices. For example, greed, hate, ego, jealousy, etcetera.
( ghee — clarified butter )
Oil and other stuff is also used now but that’s not the point here. The point is what it depicts and that is our negativity.
And lastly, we come to the flame. This signifies the light of knowledge.
So when a diya is lit, it means burning our vices and negativity with the light of knowledge to reach a better place. Or in simple words, become a better human.
And these are just depictions of the body of the diya itself. But after digging a little more, looking at it closer we will find more meaning.
A couple of them are listed here.
Firstly, the light of the diya represents knowledge. And knowledge can be shared. That means rising and growing together.
Secondly, the burning. This is very important as there would be nothing without the burning. The burning brings us heat which brings us warmth. There is literally nothing without heat. If there was no sun, there would be no us. If there was no heat for food even with all the ingredients, we wouldn't be able to cook anything. Sure, there are exceptions for everything. But, I hope you get what I am trying to say.
Now now, I am not trying to promote any religion or anything here. As I said before, I am just trying to share a message. Even if you don’t light diyas or don’t want to, you can at least take the message with you. Being a better human won’t hurt anyone. And we desperately need to be better humans.
I did have some doubts after comparing all of this with our tube lights and all. But I don’t think it represents everything that well.
One reason being, the diyas provide a cradling warmth but these lights provide a very piercing warmth.
Let me know any other reasons you find or any thoughts you have. And please share any messages you have.
