The festival of lights, Deepavali (or Diwali), is a time when homes across India sparkle with the soft glow of diyas (oil lamps) symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Lighting diyas in a Vastu-aligned manner can amplify the festive spirit and invite positive energy, prosperity, and good health into your home. Here’s how you can make the most of this auspicious festival by following Vastu principles when lighting diyas.
In Hindu tradition, lighting diyas is not just a ritual but a way to honor the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The light of the diya symbolizes purity, knowledge, and the removal of negative energies, bringing a fresh start to the year ahead.
According to Vastu Shastra, the main entrance of a home is the primary source of energy, making it crucial for this area to be well-lit during Deepavali. Place at least two diyas on either side of the door to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Lighting diyas near the entrance ensures the inflow of prosperity, health, and positivity into the home.
The North-East direction is considered the holiest and most auspicious corner in Vastu Shastra. Light a diya in this area to maximize positive energy and spiritual vibrations. This practice is especially beneficial in dispelling any accumulated negativity, enhancing peace, and supporting spiritual growth for the family.
Many homes have a tulsi (holy basil) plant, a sacred addition in Hindu households. Lighting a diya near the tulsi plant is believed to attract prosperity and spiritual protection. Place the diya here each evening of Deepavali as a way to thank the plant for its protective energy and health benefits.
Diyas placed in the living room and kitchen help keep the heart of the home warm, inviting, and vibrant. These spaces are often high-traffic areas where families gather, so lighting diyas here spreads positivity, unity, and happiness. In the kitchen, diyas represent the blessings for a bountiful and nourishing year ahead.
Placing diyas on windows and balconies is a beautiful way to allow light to radiate outwards from the home. In Vastu, this symbolizes the sharing of prosperity and joy with the world. Diyas on window sills and balconies also help to welcome the energy of wealth and good fortune.
The puja room or altar is where the most important diyas are placed, especially during Deepavali. According to Vastu, this space should be clean and uncluttered to allow for uninterrupted divine energy. The puja room diya symbolizes reverence and devotion, connecting the household to spiritual energies.
Traditionally, diyas are lit at dusk to dispel the darkness of the evening and to align with the divine energies that Vastu principles recommend inviting at this time. Lighting the diya at dusk enhances its spiritual impact and strengthens the positive energy in the home.
Deepavali wouldn’t be complete without a colorful rangoli to complement the diyas. According to Vastu, rangoli designs with colors like red, yellow, green, and blue invite positivity and balance. Place diyas around or within the rangoli design at the entrance for a warm, welcoming vibe.
Lighting diyas according to Vastu on Deepavali can significantly enhance the festival’s sacred and joyful atmosphere. These small yet meaningful placements align with ancient traditions and bring new light into our homes and lives, creating a space that is not only welcoming for the festival but also open to the blessings of prosperity, health, and happiness throughout the year.