RGB Monday

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.

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.   

My colored Diyas making center of attraction hehe.. (all pics clicked with iPhone)