Festivities around the world are synonymous with light. Whether it is Navaratri with an offering of Jyoti to the goddess or Diwali with a row of Diyas, a glowing atmosphere suggests festivity more than anything else. For lighting up your festive season, we have curated a list of 10 lamps, crafted by Indian artists and craftsmen from all over the country, representing the best of every region.
The list goes from simple stand-alone diya at the altar to magnificent wall pieces with wicks to give a regal look to any space, offering you a variety of options to brighten up your home, as the time of celebrations comes close.
Made with pure brass, bronze, and copper, a simple lamp is burnt in Hindu households, in rituals of every day, and forms a part of the daily routines. It is often placed on the chowki or pedestal on which the deity is housed, lit during morning and evening Puja. A beautifully made Deepak is a symbol of the perfection of one’s devotion to God, and the festivities are an ideal time to add a new ritual lamp to your place of worship.
Also, a part of the ritual routine, the hand-held aarti or simply aarti is the portable lamp, with one or many wicks, used to perform the customary offering of light to the deity. Hymns are sung along with the playing of Shankha (Conch Shell) and Ghanti (Bell), as the lamp moves in front of the icon of the god or goddess, slowly lighting up the image and allowing the devotee to perform Darshana- the act of seeing and meditating upon the divine. Since the festivals involve a number of rituals to be conducted, you can take a look at hand-held aartis to elevate your Puja experience.
Originating in the temples of South India, the Annam lamp symbolizes divinity. It is characterized by the mythical Anam bird or “peacock” perched on the finial. The Anam lamp is no longer limited to the ritual space but has become a part of festive, celebratory occasions around the world.
It is lit before important ceremonies to remember the light of wisdom and creativity. An Anam lamp can be added to the center of any space to create a statement decor or a pair of Anam lamps can be placed on the sides of the door, to welcome the festivities in your home.
An ancient votive offering to the goddess Lakshmi, a Lakshmi Deepa was earlier made with terracotta and then in metal, with simple icons of the goddess. Based on the earlier lamps, Ashtalakshmi Deepa and Gajalakshmi Deepa are some of the most famous lamps, with elaborate ornamental, made in pure brass and other ritually sacred materials.
The practice of offering the goddess a lamp or financing the lamps of a temple (arranging the cotton wicks, and oil and paying the temple priest in charge of lighting the lamps) for a certain period of time before or after the fulfillment of a wish, is an ancient ritual in Hinduism and Buddhism, which is a symbol of devotion.
A Lakshmi Deepa in your space can be placed in the Puja ghar as the primary diya, creating a lustrous environment, and adding to the spiritual aura of the space.
Pavai Vikkau or lady lamp, often linked with goddess Lakshmi in reality represents the devotee (often an elite woman) or the temple women offering devotional light to the sanctum deity in South Indian temples. The mention of Deepalakshmi goes back to the 3rd century BC when the Tamil text Silapadikaram describes “life-sized lady lamps lighting up the street of the temple town”.
Beginning as a sacred decor, Deepalakshmi lamps are today a part of traditional home decor, enlightening spaces with their splendid beauty. Adding a Deepalakshmi lamp made with brass or bronze to your festive decor will bring a regal touch of Indian history and culture to your home.
A fan of extraordinary beauty? Go with a hanging lamp for your home this season. Icons of Hindu gods and goddesses, sacred symbols, and traditional artistry- these lamps are a sight to behold in any space. Elements such as rows of bells as seen in this hanging lamp add a charm to the whimsical and classic appeal of these decor pieces, making the space they inhabit look absolutely luxurious bathed in their light.
The Newari community in Nepal is a preserver of Hindu culture in the lap of the Himalayas. Their art involves antique-looking ritual lamps with intricate iconography depicting Hindu gods and goddesses who are revered as protectors of the people.
This Ganesha lamp from Nepal is an example of the skills of the Newari craftsman, creating a miniature shrine for the auspicious Lord, attached to a lamp to perform rituals. Such lamps are sacred decor as well as a piece of cultural history, an heirloom of tradition to pass on to the next generations.
Crafted with precious and semi-precious gemstones, these lamps are ornamental as well as functional, a symbol of opulence in your space. They can be used to adorn table tops, used in the Puja Ghar, or can be gifted to a dear one during the festive season. In your festive rituals, a gemstone diya can be a symbol of your devotion and thankfulness for the luxury and wealth of your life, lighting up which will add to the positive ambiance and beauty of your home.
The antique craft of Dhokra practiced by communities living in Central India, uses the ancient lost-wax technique, and wax strings to create a unique, simple yet appealing art. This makes for a great pick for the connoisseur of cultural artifacts and promises an aesthetic that will blend well with modern interiors. You can use these tribal Diyas well after the festive season, to give an antique and refined look to the corners and tabletops of your house.
Every now and then we come across art pieces and decor that we cannot forget. This designer Tree of Life wall hanging, made with pure brass and paired with multiple lamps spread in its branches, is one such masterpiece.
The entire piece has been molded, joined together, and polished and has received several finishing touches by the hands of the brass artists of Aligarh, who specialize in making such stunning accent pieces. The addition of lamps to the already splendid brass tree of life enhances the aesthetic beauty, creating the ultimate home decor piece to light up any space for decades.
In addition to Vastu principles and religious requirements, what is important to keep in mind while purchasing a lamp is where you are going to place it. The material, design, and size of a lamp have to be chosen as per the placement, space, or room in your home where it will be kept. Here are a few suggestions from us, on picking the right lamp for home decor, based on the occasion, festival, and room of your home.
The best lamps or diyas for Diwali can be small brass diya, gemstone diyas, or designer hanging diyas. You can include them in the decoration for the festival or place a beautiful diya in your place of worship.
Hand-held aarti and small lamps are perfect for your Puja ghar, which can be included in everyday and special rituals. Go for pure brass, bronze, and stone lamps which last long and are made with ritually prescribed material.
Your living room is the space that welcomes the guests and hosts friends and family. Select accent pieces in this space can make sure that every gathering becomes memorable here. Pick a wall-hanging lamp or Deepalakshmi for your living room, which will transform the space with its presence, serving as a source of light and luxury.
Gemstone lamps and Dhokra tribal lamps are good choices if you want to add lamps to your bedroom décor. When lit these pieces beautifully light up the space, while for the rest of the time, they will act as refined elements of interior decoration, infusing the art of India in your space.
The time of festivals comes with the responsibility of giving beautiful gifts to your loved ones. A lamp, handcrafted by Indian artists can be an amazing gift for your family and friends. If your loved ones enjoy luxury, you can go with a grand wall hanging or hanging lamp, and for lovers of minimal beauty, a pair of stone or gemstone lamps will make for an unforgettable and artistic present.
One lamp is enough to fill a place with an ethereal flood of light and with the artistry of Indian craftsmen, traditional Indian lamps have become more than simple decor or ritual items. Made for every space and budget, these lamps are a perfect expression of the joy of festivity, making them a great addition to your festive decor.
Exotic India Art has collected a number of masterpieces, rituals, and decorative lamps over the years. These are crafted with pure material by the hands of trained artists, and embellished with Indian aesthetics that make each lamp a piece of history in your home!
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