Diva Lamps

Diva Lamps

Divas are oil lamps which are particularly associated with Divali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. Divali means 'row of lamps' and is celebrated in October/November. It has been described as the most popular and important of all the Hindu festivals. Homes and public buildings are decorated with oil lamps or with brightly coloured lights. It is a joyful celebration during which there should be light in every heart just as there is light everywhere else.

The lights have a two fold significance. They are lit to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into people's homes. They are also linked to the story of the return of Rama and Sita from their fourteen year exile. According to the ancient tale, the people of their kingdom lit thousands of clay lamps to welcome the exiles back home.