Goa’s festival of lights honours the legacy of lamps

GT Digital

ILLUMINATING FACT

The discovery of fire brought lamps into the lives of prehistoric humans. Lamps made from bones, stones, fruits, cacti, and metals indicate the richness of India’s lamp tradition.

Lamp tradition | Festival of lights | Prehistoric art | Cultural richness | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

LIGHTING HEARTS

In Goa, the festival of lights, known as Dhakti Diwali, begins by lighting traditional lamps on the day of Ashwin Narak Chaturdashi (the 14th day of the waning phase of the Ashwin month).

Lamp tradition | Festival of lights | Prehistoric art | Cultural richness | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

DUAL CELEBRATION

The celebration peaks on Kartik Pournima (full moon day of Kartik) when Goans celebrate both Tulsi Vivah and Vodli Diwali.

Full moon festivities | Spiritual glow | Goa celebrations | Tulsi vivah | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

SIGNIFICANCE, FAITH & CRAFT

In Goa, bronze lamps are crafted to represent Deepalakshmi Samai, Nagadevata, and more. The state emblem of Goa is the creation of the coppersmith (kasar) artisans from Divchali (Bicholim), representing the tradition of light.

Craftsmanship | Goa emblem | Cultural heritage | Goa artisans | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

FESTIVE GLOW

In Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, the traditional lamppost (deepmal) is illuminated to mark festive occasions.

Glowing tribute | Goa culture | Deepmal | Illuminating traditions | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

LAMPS OF REVERENCE

The sanctum sanctorum of most temples in Goa is adorned with the lamandivo, a hanging lamp.

Goa temples | Lamp legacy | Divine illumination | Tradition of light | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

GLOWING GRATITUDE

Most religions honour light in various forms, including lamps, candles, and chandeliers.

Divine light | Religious symbols | Universal light | Sacred radiance | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

A WISH FOR ENLIGHTENMENT

The light of the lamp dispels gloom, negativity, and dust of ignorance from the human mind, igniting a passion for positivity and enlightenment.

Dispelling darkness | Wisdom and light | Enlightenment | Lamp of hope | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

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