The flame from a mud diya

There are still fire crackers going off around me as I write these words even though Diwali is over and it is time to put away the earthen oil lamps till next year. There is really something so compelling about these lamps. Perhaps somehow they connect me to the earth. Lighting an oil lamp made of mud on Diwali, however far-out the comparison, is somehow akin to the rootedness of a green christmas tree smelling of the fresh outdoors and decorated with gorgeous baubles. Though, here I have to add that I have never had the pleasure of seeing a real indoors-christmas tree. I can only imagine the piney green scent of its needle like leaves and the contrast of the intense cold outside.

I save and collect diyas, as I always buy too many and keep some for next year. We get them in all shapes and sizes, some painted, others decorated with thin ribbon. But I am particularly fond of the mud ones that come glazed so they can be washed and used again. That fragrance of oil, earth, soot and flame...I have come across this smell before in old temples that still use these oil lamps and haven't yet resorted to ugly flourescent lights. But though the potters produce a tonne of these every year, I have noticed a shift to electric twinkle lights and wax tea lights. But none of these can mimic the sensual earthiness and the golden flame of mud diyas. Obviously no one wants to fuss with these anymore. You get covered in a greasy soot and have to wash your hands a lot lest you soil your clothes with soot. Unlike electric lights you have to tend to these, watching with eagle eyes ready to relight when the wind blows one out or refuel when the little well inside the mud diya runs out of oil. Still the magic of their golden aura is worth the effort. Light one on a dark night under the stars and you will see for yourself.

Done