Tyler Brooks
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by over 1 billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists worldwide. The celebration involves lighting candles, clay lamps (called diyas), and oil lanterns, which are placed in homes, public spaces, and waterways. While there are no specific numbers, sources indicate that dozens of candles are lit, and in the case of the Bengali tradition of Diwali and Kali Puja, 14 or 15 candles are lit. The lighting of candles is a form of reverence to various gods and goddesses, and it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi makes her way into homes guided by the lights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | Dozens |
| 14 or 15 (for Kali Puja) | |
| Type of candles | Scented |
| Clay | |
| Placement of candles | Throughout homes, in patterns on the floor, and in the streets |
| In front of idols or within temples | |
| Floated on lakes and rivers | |
| Purpose of candles | To light the path for Goddess Lakshmi |
| To dispel negative energy and ward off evil spirits | |
| To symbolise the triumph of light over darkness | |
| To symbolise strength and generosity | |
| To bring good luck |
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What You'll Learn
Candles are lit to worship multiple gods and goddesses
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is observed in late October or early November across India and by the Indian diaspora worldwide. It is a festival that celebrates the worship of multiple gods and goddesses, with candles, dias (clay lamps filled with oil), and lamps lit to offer prayers and seek divine blessings.
Candles are lit to worship several deities, including Lord Rama, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Kali, Lord Krishna, and the Navagrahas. Lord Rama is a central figure in Diwali celebrations, commemorating his return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the evil demon king, Ravana. Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, is believed to visit every household on Diwali, and people light candles to guide her way and seek her blessings for the year ahead. Lord Ganesha, with his elephant head, is worshipped at the beginning of Diwali, and people seek his blessings to remove obstacles and bring success. Goddess Kali is believed to protect her devotees from evil forces and bring them strength and courage. The birth of Lord Krishna is also celebrated during Diwali, with devotees reciting his birth story and engaging in devotional activities. The Navagrahas, the nine celestial deities in Hindu astrology, are worshipped to balance their cosmic influences, reduce negative effects, and bring prosperity, health, and harmony.
The lighting of candles and lamps during Diwali holds profound symbolism, representing the triumph of light over darkness and goodness over evil. It is a way of spreading positivity and hope, dispelling negative energy, and warding off evil spirits. The gentle glow of the candles, along with their soothing fragrances, adds to the festive atmosphere, creating a sense of enchantment and serenity.
Diwali is a festival that brings people together, uniting communities from various backgrounds and regions. While the specific deities and customs may vary, the overarching theme of celebrating light, goodness, and the victory of good over evil remains constant. It is a time for families and friends to come together, exchange gifts, and share in the joy of the festivities.
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The number of candles lit
Diwali is celebrated by over 1 billion people worldwide, and different communities have different traditions. Some sources state that "dozens" of candles are lit during the festival. However, one source mentions the lighting of fifteen candles, with the last one being prettier or more distinct from the others.
Another source mentions the symbolic offering of fourteen candles and greens during Diwali and Kali Puja, a festival dedicated to the Goddess Kali, who destroys negative energy, disease, and ill effects. The number fourteen is also mentioned in other sources, referring to the number of greens traditionally offered during the festival rather than the number of candles.
The act of lighting candles during Diwali is a form of reverence to multiple gods and goddesses. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, makes her way to homes during Diwali, and people use candles to light her path. Candles are also lit in front of idols or within temples to summon divine blessings and grace.
Diwali is a powerful symbol of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The lighting of candles and diyas is a testament to this victory. The gentle glow of the candles, along with their soothing fragrances, adds to the festive atmosphere, making Diwali a beautiful and enchanting celebration.
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The placement of candles
Diwali is celebrated in late October or early November and is observed by more than 1 billion people worldwide, with diverse traditions and practices. The lighting of candles is a form of reverence to multiple gods and goddesses. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, makes her way to homes on the night of Diwali, and people light candles and diyas to light her path. Similarly, Goddess Kali is worshipped on the second day of Diwali, dedicated to purging evil from the home and destroying negative energy, disease, and ill effects.
Candles and diyas are placed throughout homes, on balconies, in temples, and in the streets to light up the dark Diwali nights. They are also placed in front of idols, floated on lakes and rivers, and used during prayer ceremonies to offer prayers and seek divine blessings. The gentle, comforting radiance of these lamps is thought to repel negativity and infuse homes with positive energy.
The number of candles lit during Diwali can vary, with some sources mentioning dozens of candles, while others specify a symbolic offering of fourteen candles. The arrangement of candles and diyas is often accompanied by intricate light displays, rangoli (floor patterns created using rice, coloured sand, or petals), and the exchange of gifts and sweets.
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The type of candles used
The Festival of Lights, Diwali, is celebrated by more than 1 billion people across the world. The lighting of candles, diyas, and lamps is an integral part of the traditional rituals and customs observed during this festival. The type of candles used during Diwali vary depending on the region and the specific traditions of each family. Here are some of the commonly used candles and lights during Diwali:
Diyas
Diyas, also known as clay lamps, are one of the most traditional ways to illuminate and adorn homes during Diwali. They are crafted from clay and feature a cotton wick soaked in ghee or oil. Diyas are placed in and around homes, on balconies, and in temples or areas of worship. The gentle radiance of these lamps is believed to repel negativity and bring positive energy to homes.
Candles
Candles are also widely used during Diwali, with scented candles being a popular choice. The gentle glow and soothing fragrances of scented candles add an extra layer of enchantment to the festive atmosphere. These candles often come in elegant glass designs, captivating the senses with their fragrance and visual appeal.
Oil Lamps
Oil lamps, also known as earthen diyas, are another type of light used during Diwali. These lamps are filled with oil and lit to guide the path of Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to visit homes during Diwali, bringing wealth and success.
Fireworks
While not traditional candles, fireworks are an integral part of Diwali celebrations, illuminating the skies and adding to the festive atmosphere. They are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings and prosperity for the year ahead.
The specific number of candles or lights used during Diwali may vary depending on regional and family traditions. Some sources mention the use of fourteen candles during Diwali and Kali Puja, while others focus on the overall illumination and the symbolic representation of light over darkness.
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The cultural significance of candles
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is observed in late October or early November across India and by the Indian diaspora. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, and in recent years, it has also become a cultural event in North America.
The name Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word "Dipavali", which means a "row of lights". Thus, candles play a central role in the festivities. On the evening of Diwali, celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps called diyas, placing them in their homes, on balconies, in temples, and in the streets to illuminate the dark night. The gentle glow of the candles, along with their soothing fragrances, adds an extra layer of enchantment to the festive atmosphere.
The act of lighting candles during Diwali holds profound symbolism. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi makes her way into the homes of her devotees on Diwali night, and the candles are lit to light her path. The lighting of candles is also considered a means of dispelling negative energy and warding off evil spirits. Additionally, when candles are lit in front of idols or within temples, they are thought to summon divine blessings and grace.
The number of candles lit during Diwali can vary. In the Bengali tradition of Diwali and Kali Puja, fourteen candles are lit and offered alongside fourteen types of greens. In some families, an additional fifteenth candle is lit, which is made to stand out from the rest.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no set number of candles to be lit during Diwali, but the festival is also known as the "Festival of Lights" and celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps (called diyas) to light up their homes and the streets.
Lighting candles during Diwali is a form of reverence to multiple gods and goddesses. It is believed that on the night of Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi makes her way to homes, and people use candles and earthen diyas to light her path.
Diyas are clay lamps with cotton wicks soaked in ghee or oil. They are placed in and around homes, on balconies, or in temples. The gentle, comforting radiance of these lamps is thought to repel negativity and infuse homes with positive energy.
Other Diwali traditions include worship, fireworks, feasting, exchanging gifts and sweets, and wearing new clothes.
Scented candles are often used during Diwali, as their fragrance adds an extra layer of enchantment to the festive atmosphere.
