Why Do We Light Lamps During Festivals? Astrologer Rinhee Suberwal Explains

Mumbai : As the festive season fills homes with joy and celebration, the tradition of lighting lamps or diyas remains one of the most cherished rituals. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, lamps hold profound spiritual, astrological, and psychological significance. Renowned astrologer, numerologist, crystal healer, and tarot card reader Rinhee Suberwal shares why this simple act is considered so powerful. Festivals are all about togetherness and positivity,” says Rinhee. “When we light a lamp, it drives away darkness, which is often a symbol of sadness or negative energy. A burning diya gives the house a joyful, secure, and lively atmosphere.”According to her, the practice also holds deep Vastu significance. “Fire is one of the five elements of nature, and when a lamp is lit, this fire energy enters the house. It brings warmth, purity, and positive vibrations that uplift everyone in the space.”

Rinhee explains that lamp lighting also plays a role in balancing planetary influences. “Astrologically, it is believed that the light of a diya can reduce the negative effects of planets like Rahu or Saturn, while enhancing the positive impact of planets like Jupiter and the Sun.”
Beyond spiritual benefits, she highlights its calming effect on the mind. “When we sit and pray near a lamp, it promotes concentration and serenity. It strengthens the mind and helps us stay peaceful amidst life’s challenges,” she says.
Lighting a lamp, Rinhee adds, is also a form of offering to the divine. “It is a way of showing love, respect, and devotion to God. In festivals, it becomes a gesture of welcoming the divine energy into our homes.”
On the practical side, direction and placement matter too. “As per Vastu, the east or northeast direction is the most auspicious for lighting a lamp. It attracts happiness, prosperity, and health. The lamp must always be kept clean and filled with ghee or oil to maintain its purity,” she advises.
For those seeking deeper protection, she suggests using the lamp as part of meditation. “Sitting in front of a diya helps increase focus and shields us from spiritual disturbances. It balances our aura and keeps negative forces away.”
Rinhee also stresses the importance of timing. “Lighting diyas in the morning and evening has a cleansing effect on the aura of the house. It removes negative energies, and if you burn kapoor (camphor) along with it, the positivity multiplies.”
Concluding, Rinhee remarks, “The act of lighting a lamp is not just a ritual—it is a symbol of hope, abundance, and divinity. When we light a diya, we are truly illuminating our lives from within.”