Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 19: With the countdown to the festival of lights, Deepavali, already underway, festive excitement has gripped the city. Adding to the traditional charm of the celebration, colourful and artistically designed diyas (earthen lamps) have flooded local markets, drawing enthusiastic buyers.

Lighting diyas has long been a cherished Deepavali tradition, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. In recent years, however, the humble earthen diya has seen creative transformations — coming in vibrant shades of red, green, blue, maroon, and yellow, embellished with intricate designs and embroidery-like patterns. These decorative diyas, available in various sizes, are turning heads in Mangaluru’s markets.

Traditionally, clay diyas are used for home decoration during Deepavali. They are lined up on tulsi platforms, staircases, and windows, illuminating homes with their soft glow. This year, a wide range of clay diyas has arrived in the market. Prices start at Rs 3 per diya and go up to around Rs 40 per dozen, while some intricately designed ones are priced above Rs 100.

Different varieties of diyas — including designer clay diyas, wheel-shaped diyas, traditional-pattern diyas, peacock-shaped diyas, tulsi-shaped diyas, trishul diyas, long-burning akhanda diyas, porcelain diyas, five-faced chakra diyas, and simple earthen lamps — are ready to light up homes this festive season.

In some parts of the state, households also hang special pot-shaped diyas with small perforations during the festival. Incense is placed inside the pot and lit, letting fragrant smoke escape through the holes — a decorative and aromatic addition that’s gaining popularity. Virupaksha, a diya vendor near Kudroli, said these hanging diyas are in high demand this year.

Basavaraju, a trader at Rathabeedi, noted, “The diyas brought for this Deepavali must be sold in time. They cannot be used for next year’s festival, as the colours fade over time. The humid weather of Mangaluru also affects their durability.”

As the festival approaches, the shimmering rows of colourful diyas not only illuminate homes but also rekindle the warmth of tradition, spreading light and joy across the coastal city.