Our colorful Karthigai Deepam
Or an arrangement of Diyas! Karthikai
Deepam is a South Indian festival observed by the Hindus on the full moon day
of the Tamil calendar Karthikai, which happens between November and December. It is an
occasion where rows of oil lamps are lit in every home and temple. Karthigai
Deepam is essentially a festival of lamps and lighted lamps are considered auspicious symbols; believed to drive off evil forces and let in
prosperity and joy.
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| Diyas light up the balcony and door front |
Most of the oil lamps (Diyas) used here (at houses and temples) are made of clay, and except for adding or replacing a few, most of the lamps are reused from previous years after cleaning. Mom soaked the oil-stained Diyas in water two days before the festival, then dried them before the oil-lit Diyas illuminated the night against the much brighter full moon. Karthigai Deepam is a renowned festival for the Thiruvannamalai Deepam (a massive lamp lit up at the peak of Annamalai Hill, about 2669 feet high) dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Just a day ahead of the festival, I
got the idea of coloring some of the Diyas. I got posture colors, and started to
paint immediately, and continued into the festival day including coloring quite red, green, and blue Diyas. I did some simple designs on the side of
Diyas, and Diyas being small in size comes in handy for me to paint with my
limited arm access. It’s been a long time since I touched a brush since I find it difficult to draw things holding a pencil or brush, but I always want to do
something and the Diyas ignites the thought and I plan to do some more esp. to
try to create some Christmas decors using Popsicle sticks and paint
colorfully.
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| My colored Diyas making center of attraction hehe.. (all pics clicked with iPhone) |
18 comments:
What a beautiful festival full of so many beautiful colorful lights. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Your mom is so full of talent. Many blessings to you!
Elsie
Nice night shots, very beautifu to see. Good luck with creating your Christmas decors, it will be interesting and fun to see.
Jeevan ~ what a lovely tradition honoring the light and Lord Shiva and you have created colorful and beautiful designs for the light holders ~ Beautiful ~ wish I lived nearer and could share your light celebration ~ I will light a candle or share a photo soon of the window lights that is a traditional way of celebrating Christmas here in the USA ~ Thanks for sharing your tradition and the beautiful creations you made ~ ^_^
Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
The diyas look beautiful. The colors on diyas are great and they stand out. And fantastic photography.
Wow, it's good to know that you coloured the Diyas yourselves. Don't stop, make more beautiful stuff :)
Destination Infinity
Colorful diyas look so amazing!
Very colourful!
I hope you will continue to enjoy painting many more wonderful stuffs. Looking forward to your paintings.
Hello, love the Diyas and pretty colors. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!
Thanks so much for creating this! Love your post and you have a very lovely tradition too!
Just bloody brilliant! Keep posting.
You never cease to amaze me with your post. All the Best!
Super post!
I always find your post inspiring. Keep it up!
Great overall piece of content.
Thanks a lot. This is such a wonderful sharing!
Thanks a lot. This is such a wonderful sharing!
Something different. Thank you for sharing your culture with us!
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