Diwali Light

Diwali Light. India. 20th Century.

Terracotta candle holder shaped to look like a pair of hands holding a tear-drop shaped container. Terracotta base, top painted in gold with details picked out in red and green.

Used during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, such objects represent the triumph of light over darkness and the invocation of prosperity and protection. Diwali is a five-day-long festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. Diwali always falls between October and November, with the date changing every year as the Hindu calendar is based on the Moon.

The festival worships different deities according to the different regions of India. The most widespread is the worship

of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, with the lighting of diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon. It could either celebrate her birthday or her marriage to Vishnu. In Bengal the goddess Kali is worshipped. In North India the festival honours the royal homecoming of Rama to the city of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the king of the demons. The residents of Ayodhya celebrated their return by lighting thousands of Diyas to welcome them and symbolize the victory of good over evil. In South India Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura is celebrated. Other Hindu gods, such as Ganesh, are also revered during this festival.

The gesture of cupped hands reflects devotion and reverence.