What is a diya?

A diya (also deepa or deepam) is a small oil lamp, traditionally made of clay, with a cotton wick that sits in oil or ghee. It is one of the oldest symbols in Indian homes, and it is the light that gives Diwali, the festival of lights, its name: Deepavali means a row of lamps.

What a diya means

Lighting a diya stands for light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Diyas are lit for daily prayer (puja and aarti), at weddings and housewarmings, and above all during Diwali, when families line doorways, windows and steps with them to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.

Types of diyas

• Clay diyas: the classic, often painted and bought fresh each year.
• Brass and metal diyas: reusable lamps for the home altar, including the tall akhand diya kept burning for days.
• Flameless diyas: LED diyas that glow without oil or an open flame. Diara's rechargeable diyas charge over USB-C and come in two flame styles: a wick that moves, or a light that gently breathes.

How to use diyas at home

Place them at the entrance, in the prayer space, on windowsills and along the dinner table. Flameless diyas are the easy choice near curtains, children and pets, and in places where an open flame isn't allowed. See all our diyas for Diwali decoration.