A Designer Diwali

Diwali, the Hindu ‘festivals of lights’ celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Although the legends associated with Diwali vary by region, the festival is essentially a celebration of light which symbolises, knowledge, wisdom, goodness, happiness, peace, truth and prosperity. Illumination is one of the most important aspects of the five-day celebration and lights of all sorts are in great demand during Diwali.

The word Diwali means ‘row of lighted lamps’; homes, shops and public places are illuminated to welcome Lakshmi the goddess of wealth and prosperity and celebrate the triumph of Ram over the demon Raavan. Traditionally Diwali decoration and worship are not complete without diyas or earthenware oil lamps. However lately, ‘technology advanced ‘imports, such as electrical lamps and lanterns with flickering flames, battery operated candles and LED lights in fancy shapes (outline of lotus flowers, the word Om and the even Ganesha) have taken revellers’ fancy.

The shift in preferences had begun to threaten sales of the traditional diyas, however potters in India found a solution to save their trade. Refusing to let cheap foreign imports ruin their seasonal Diwali earning (one of the most lucrative times of the year), the potter got creative and reinvented their traditional handiwork by crating ‘designer diyas’.

Available in special Diwali shapes such as stars, flowers and Paan ka pata (leaf shaped), designer diyas have brought traditional Diwali lights back into fashion. Hand painted in festive colours and elaborately decorated with crystals, sequins and glitter, designer diyas have a rustic chic appeal that make mass market diyas look tacky and positively down market.

Although they are particularly well suited to Diwali, designers diyas can be used as decorations throughout the year; avalible in colour coordinated gift packs they make excellent presents for Diwali or any other festive season. Authentic designer diyas are available at online boutiques and stores or you can simply buy clay toy pots and bowls (place tea lights inside) at the local potter’s and decorates your own designer diyas for Diwali and the festive season ahead.

By Leila Mahfooz Barry

Tags:
  • Add Your Comment

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.