Diwali · Guide
Diya lighting traditions
Make diya lighting beautiful, calm and safe for the whole family.
Diya lighting can be a quiet shared moment when lamp placement and roles are decided before the flame is lit. Use plain lamps suitable for oil or ghee, and keep decorative painted or glued crafts separate with LEDs. Regional lamp counts and rituals vary; this guide does not prescribe a single number.
Keep ready
- Stable clay or metal diyas
- Oil or ghee and cotton wicks
- A tray
- Long lighter or matches handled by an adult
Step by step
- 1Inspect diyas for cracks and place them on a stable, non-flammable tray.
- 2Fill with a small amount of oil or ghee and position the wick securely.
- 3Light the first diya with an adult, then invite children to help with non-flame roles.
- 4Keep lamps away from curtains, paper, wires and crowded walkways.
- 5Extinguish safely when the family is finished and never leave lamps unattended.
Helpful notes
- Use battery lamps where open flame is not suitable.
- Keep appropriate fire-safety equipment accessible and supervise children and pets. Never pour water on a burning oil lamp.
Plan ahead
Inspect lamps and prepare a stable non-flammable surface while they are unlit. Keep oil, matches and small parts adult-controlled, leave walkways clear and assign someone to supervise and extinguish each lamp. Never top up a hot or lit diya.
Common questions
How many diyas must I light for Diwali?
Numbers and locations depend on household tradition. Choose the observance your family follows and use only as many lamps as can be placed securely and supervised.
Can I use LEDs in a home with children or pets?
Battery lamps are a practical decoration option where flame is unsuitable. Keep batteries inaccessible to children and let your family decide what it uses for its separate ritual practice.