Tradition of Lights on Diwali
Diwali is a word of Sanskrit language. Its meaning is the array of Divas which are the source of lights. Therefore Diwali is linked with lights very strongly. Lights have great importance in Diwali celebration. There are several sources of lights that can be used on Diwali. These sources can be traditional as well as modern. The purpose of lighs is to remove darkness or to spread real knowledge i.e “Gyaan” all around. This “Gyaan” doesn’t mean the sheer literacy. It’s the state of mind when you feel god every where and live your life with peace, love and satisfaction and without jealousy. People illuminate their houses in the front, back, on the roof and the roads leading to their houses. They use Traditional items of illumination like Divas, candles etc. Divas are Small Earthen pots filled with oil and having a cotton wick which is ignited to illuminate it. Candles are also used as they are ready made sources of lights. With the time these sources have also been developed over the years. There are many types of designer Divas available in the market now-a-days. These have different colors and shapes too. Some Divas are filled with scented wax which not only illuminate but also spread fragrance. Candles are also available in different shapes and colors. Scented candles are also very popular these days in the market. The designer candles are of special shapes like heart shaped, bowl shaped, some are in the shapes of some fruits and some are in the shapes of a statue of deity. Some designer candles are in shapes that they can float in water. Designer Earthen lamps are in the shapes of "Handi" decorated with sparkling paper or paint etc. These lamps can also be used as hanging lamps. People want to use these traditional sources of lighting because they are still very much attached with the rituals of ancient times.
In the modern times, the sources of lights have developed remarkably. Electricity has taken the place of traditional fuel i.e oil and electric bulbs have substituted the Divas etc. It's easy and cheap to illuminate houses whole night with electric lighting than with traditional oil lamps and candles. Different type of colorful electric bulbs " Ladi" ( an array of small electric bulbs). In fact these electric lighting systems have a bigger market in India in the days of Diwali. This tradition of lighting also has stories in background. When Lord Rama was coming back to home after defeating Devil king Ravana, The subject of his realm "Ayodhya" rejuvenated the state in his honour and decorated the "Ayodhya" with lights all around like a newly wedded girl. Everybody wanted to express the happiness and joy for the arrival of Lord Rama. So they enlighten their houses. From that day we people have been lighting the houses. In another story Godess Durga killed the devil king Narakasura and gave the Manava and Suras (Human being and gods) relief from his evil acts. That was the triumph of good over evil.
