Diya Dilliwalon Ka
Handcrafted Diya of approx 20 ft at IGI Airport, New Delhi, India.
On disembarking at the IGI Terminal 3 airport, New Delhi this morning from Mumbai, i was highly impressed by the handmade diya decor. An array of beautifully decorated diyas have been kept above every conveyor belt to welcome the auspicious festival of Diwali in November.
Did you know Diyas adorn every corner of the house on this very auspicious day and add fervour to the festive spirit
Deepavali meaning, row of lamps (Deepon ki avali), is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil. However, there’s something more symbolic about the diyas or jyot. Most Hindu households often light a diya once every morning and in the evening. It’s not just a customary practice but signifies the submission of one’s soul to the supreme power. The oil in the diya represents the dirt (i.e. greed, jealousy, hatred, lust etc) that humans tend to nurture while the cotton wick is symbolic of the ‘aatman’ (self). So in order to attain enlightenment and unite with the Brahman (the supreme power), one must get rid of materialism.
A diya emits light when the wick fuelled by oil burns. Moreover, a Diya also symbolises knowledge. An ignorant person would often remain in dark and wouldn’t be able to keep a check on the events happening around him. It is only when he feels the need to gain some knowledge that he will realise the purpose of his existence. And hence in this case, a diya/jyot signifies the removal of ignorance through knowledge.
