Diwali Diyas & Akhand Jyot: A Simple Lighting Guide
A practical guide to lighting diyas for Diwali — choosing clay or brass diyas, ghee or oil, keeping an Akhand Jyot, and where to place lamps — with fire-safety kept firmly in view.
1. Lamps Are the Heart of Diwali
Diwali is the festival of lights, and rows of diyas are its signature — at the threshold, along walls and windows, and on the altar. This is a practical guide to lighting them well and safely.
2. Choosing Diyas, Ghee or Oil & Wicks
Traditional clay diyas are inexpensive and beautiful; brass diyas last for years and suit the altar. Use ghee where you can, or a clean vegetable oil, with cotton wicks (long twisted wicks for lamps meant to burn longer). Soak clay diyas briefly in water before first use so they do not drink up the oil.
3. Keeping an Akhand Jyot
Some families keep an Akhand Jyot — a continuous lamp — through Diwali night or the season. Use a stable diya with a lid or chimney, enough fuel for the duration, and long wicks, and follow the same care as any continuous lamp. Ritual meaning does not reduce ordinary fire risk.
4. Where to Place the Lamps — Safely
- Keep lamps on heat-safe surfaces, away from curtains, cloth, paper, and hair.
- Place them where children and pets cannot knock them over.
- Do not leave lit lamps unattended, and put them out safely before sleeping unless an Akhand Jyot is being kept and watched.
5. Around Diwali Night
See the Diwali 2026 guide and the Lakshmi Puja vidhi, and find clay and brass options in diyas and the full Pooja Essentials collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Diwali diyas use ghee or oil?
Both are used. Ghee is often preferred where possible, but a clean vegetable oil works well, especially for the many lamps lit around the home. Use cotton wicks, and long twisted wicks for lamps meant to burn longer.
How do you prepare a new clay diya?
Soak new clay diyas briefly in water before first use so the clay does not absorb the oil or ghee, then dry them. Add the wick and fuel, and place the diya on a heat-safe surface before lighting.
How should diyas be placed safely on Diwali?
Keep lamps on heat-safe surfaces away from curtains, cloth, paper and hair, place them where children and pets cannot knock them over, and never leave lit lamps unattended. Put them out safely before sleeping unless an Akhand Jyot is being kept and watched.