What is a diya?
A diya is a small lamp, traditionally made from clay and filled with oil or ghee, with a cotton wick. Diyas are lit at many Indian festivals and in daily prayers, and above all at Diwali.
Diyas and Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world and falls in October or November each year. Homes, doorways and windows are lit with rows of diyas to symbolise the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families also decorate their entrances with rangoli, colourful patterns made from coloured powders, rice or flower petals.
Decorating diyas
Clay diyas are often painted and decorated with patterns, beads or small mirrors. Many people now use a candle in place of oil, which makes a decorated diya easy to enjoy at home.
Our Diwali diya candle set workshop
Our signature Diwali session. Hear the story of Diwali, decorate your own diya in Lippan-inspired style, pour a scented candle and finish a rangoli tray to take home. It lasts 2 hours, needs no experience and suits mixed groups and all abilities. We bring everything, set up and clear away, and we run it outside Diwali too.