Diwali 2023: Significance Of Lighting Oil And Ghee Lamps During The Festival

The festive season has begun with great enthusiasm, and as Diwali approaches, markets are adorned with lights and decorations. People are busy buying essential items, gifts, lights, lamps, clothing etc. While these aspects are integral to the celebrations, one of the most significant rituals of Diwali is the lighting of diyas or earthen lamps. These tiny lamps hold immense symbolic importance.

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Lighting diyas on Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness. As Diwali falls on the day of the new moon, illuminating lamps on this day symbolises dispelling darkness both physically and metaphorically. The lamps also represent goodness, purity, and the bestowal of good luck. While some opt for ghee to fuel these earthen lamps, others prefer oil.

According to tradition, the diyas are typically acquired on Ashwin Purnima, a full moon day occurring two weeks before Diwali. These lamps are soaked in water to prepare them for the Diwali Puja.

Renowned astrologer Pandit Kalki Ram in Ayodhya explains the significance of lighting earthen lamps with mustard oil in the home. He suggests that oil lamps can help ward off issues associated with certain planets, such as Saturn and Mars. This age-old tradition is believed to bring happiness and peace to the household. Moreover, the act of lighting diyas pleases Goddess Lakshmi, who then blesses devotees with happiness and prosperity.

On the other hand, lighting a ghee lamp on Diwali is also deemed highly auspicious. This practice is a favoured way to seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Beyond bestowing blessings, the light emitted from the ghee lamp is thought to dispel ignorance, attract wealth and prosperity, and impart knowledge.