Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Foreigners Interest on Diyas - Abroad Fun with Diyas

Diyas are lamps that are lit to brighten Diwali night. Popularity of diyas has crossed Indian borders as Diwali is now celebrated in countries like the United States, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and many other countries.

Foreigners Interest on Diyas
When the principles of Diwali are universal applicable, there is no wonder with diyas and paraphernalia of Diwali celebrations spreading out to foreign countries. Foreigners are showing special interest on Diwali celebrations and philosophy behind Diwali. Indian culture and traditions are gaining great respect among foreigners these days.

Mainstream Americans get to know about Diwali celebrations through Indian-Americans who celebrate this festival with same gusto as they would in India. The joyous celebrations naturally attract their spirits and they too take part in the fun, putting aside all reservations. Lighting diyas, exploding crackers and sharing Diwali sweets are some interesting activities that everyone would like to do.

Abroad Fun with Diyas
Non-resident Indians may miss the day of Diwali the most. The fun and celebrations that they had during those days in India dwells in their memories. With this pushing, they start celebrating Diwali where ever they are. They lit diyas in their houses and make most of the day. So Diwali and diwali diyas are fun irrespective of India or abroad.

Ambika Mishra, a reporter with U.N Radio and Voice of America says that Diwali which she celebrated in her childhood days cannot be duplicated by any festival in US. She misses Diwali a lot. But she makes a point to observe Diwali with diyas and sweets every year though she has been in US for past 28 years.

Have a blissful and Happy Diwali!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Diyas New Attraction for Home - Fun in Lighting Diyas

A diya is a small lamp made of clay that is lit on auspicious day of Diwali. A cotton wick is used to light and ghee or oil is used as the fuel. Diyas are symbol of light and they imply the victory of good over evil, brightness over darkness and truth over falsity. A lighted diya gives out message of “Come to light and come to the right path”, to everyone around.

Diyas – New attraction for home
On the occasion of Diwali, home looks attractive with all those decorations with diyas. Diyas are kept in pooja room, balconies, verandas, near doors and windows. Some are plain while some are colorful with fancy laces and mirrors. This decorated diyas add so much light to the house on Diwali night and give new attraction for home.

On the occasion of Diwali, it is believed that, Goddess Lakshmi devi observes for the most decorated house and enters in that house to give Her blessings. People decorate their houses by diyas and other decorative items like rangolis, torans and wall papers. They make their houses as attractive as possible to welcome Lakshmi devi. They celebrate the event with great faith on the rituals of Lakshmi poojan. Attractive house is the place where Goddess Lakshmi dwells.

Fun in Lighting Diyas
Diyas are lighted on Diwali night. As many diyas are lit which can light up every corner of the house. There should not be any trace of darkness in the house. The effulgent light of the numerous diyas make Diwali night very special and divine.

Real fun on Diwali is with lighting diyas. Children make diyas as a fun activity on Diwali. They play crackers and make so much noise. Thus fun-filled Diwali remains fresh in everyone's memory.

Wish you happy and prosperous Diwali!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Tradition of Diwali Diyas - Decoration of Diwali Diyas

Diwali diyas are lamps made of clay in which ghee or oil is used as fuel and cotton wool as wick. A typical Diwali diya looks as shown in the figure.

Tradition of Diwali diyas
In India, any grand festival is celebrated in a traditional way. Nowadays, lot of modernization is going on in every sphere of life and Diwali celebrations are not left behind. In modern times, Diwali is celebrated with electric diyas and technology-driven lightings. But somehow the tradition of diyas on Diwali night has not lose its significance and is still continues in India.

Tradition of Diwali is connected to Ramayana. According to the legend, Diwali was first celebrated by the citizens of Ayodhya when Lord Rama with Sita and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after 14 years, after defeating evil Ravana. The entire city of Ayodhya was decorated with diyas to welcome Shri Rama. From that day began the tradition of celebrating Diwali with keeping array of diyas in the house.

Decoration of Diwali Diyas: Diyas are for decorating house for Diwali and decorated diyas make the celebrations even more gala. Some tips for decorating Diwali diyas are:

With Colors: Coloring the diyas with different colors give them a bright look. You can either put different colored diyas into a pattern or decorate a diya with different colors.
Moulding your own diya: You can mould different shapely diyas with Plaster of Paris. You can mould it in bowl shape, flower shape, and so on.
Patterns: Giving floral patterns or leafy designs over the diyas make them look beautiful.
Motifs: Designing motifs around diyas is another way of decorating diyas.
Beautifying diyas: Several things can be used for beautification of diyas. For example beads, shells, sequins, golden laces, glass pieces, zaris etc. When these are stuck on diyas, they look wonderful.

We wish our readers very brightful Diwali with Diwali Diyas!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Diwali Diyas - Importance of Diwali Diyas - Types of Diwali Diyas

Diwali is celebrated on the day of Amavasya of Kartika month. Amavasya is a dark night, without moon in the sky. But on the day of Diwali there is hardly any darkness around as the whole atmosphere is lit with millions of Diwali diyas.

A Diwali diya is a small lamp made of clay in which ghee or oil is used as fuel and cotton wool as wick. A typical Diwali diya looks as shown in the figure.

Importance of Diwali Diyas:
Diwali connotes the victory of truth over falsity, good over evil and light over darkness. There is the legend of Lord Rama connected to Diwali. Lord Rama fought for Dharma and defeated Ravana, ending his reign of irreligiosity. Lord Krishna also killed the demon Narakasura and thereby established peace and happiness in the world. Lord Rama and Krishna were welcomed into Their palaces by rows of Diyas and the celebrations were called Deepawali.

Diwali diyas represent the same goodness and virtuosity of occasion. Hindus consider Diyas as the symbol of knowledge, happiness, peace, wisdom, truth and prosperity. Many legendary stories mention diyas as the symbol of enlightenment. They are seen as beacons leading to spiritual path. Diyas encourage everyone to choose the safe road in life that leads to serenity of mind and soul.

Types of Diwali Diyas:

Nowadays markets are filled with various types of attractive Diwali diyas. Acrylic paint of different colors are used to make the diyas appear more and more attractive. Electric diyas are also very popular these days.

Diwali diyas are embellished with mirror work and zari decorations. Adorned diyas are put near the deities of Lakshmi and Ganesh. Diyas are decorated with flowers and motifs. Diyas are designed in different shapes and sizes like those in shapes of roses, leaves and fruits.

We wish our readers a Light-filled Diwali!