The Timeless Legacy of Brass Diyas
, by Smitha Sunil, 2 min reading time
There’s a certain magic to the warm, golden glow of a brass diya. It’s not just the light it gives off — it’s the memories it holds, the stories it tells, and the sense of continuity it offers in a fast-changing world. For many of us, especially those rooted in Indian traditions, a brass diya is more than a festive item — it’s a piece of our childhood, a symbol of our heritage, and a treasured heirloom.
Brass diyas are often bought once — and last for generations. Their solid craftsmanship and classic design mean they don’t just survive the years, they grow more beautiful with them. They become part of a family’s rhythm: lit during daily prayers, placed at the center of Diwali rangolis, and passed reverently from one generation to the next.
I remember the diya from my childhood — its distinct shape, the way it would shine when freshly polished, the way the flame would flicker gently in our prayer room. It wasn’t just a diya. It was the diya. The one I always imagined would one day be mine. It held the quiet moments of devotion, the joy of festivals, and the soft comfort of home. I longed to inherit it.
But life, as it often does, had other plans. When the time came, the diya went to my sibling. It was the right decision, yet a part of me felt its absence — not for its physical value, but for everything it represented.
Now, as I create traditions with my own children, I find myself thinking ahead. I want them both to have not just memories of lighting a diya, but something tangible to hold onto — something they can take with them into their own homes one day. That’s why I plan to keep two of the same. Identical in design, yet each one destined to carry its own set of memories, warmth, and meaning.
Because a diya is not just a lamp. It’s a legacy.
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By
Smitha Sunil
Owner & CEO of Athulya LLC
Do you have a diya story too? Share your memories with us in the comments. Let’s keep the tradition alive, one light at a time.
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