Overview
A deepak, also known as diya, deepa, deepam, deep, diyo, deya, dia, divaa or saaki (Sanskrit: दीपम्, Dīpam; Hindi: दीया, Dīyā), is a traditional oil lamp commonly used across the Indian subcontinent. It is typically fashioned from clay, brass or silver, and uses a cotton wick dipped in oil or ghee to produce a flame.
The deepak holds sacred prominence in several Indian religious traditions, including Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism. It is widely employed during prayers, religious rituals and ceremonies, where the lighting of the lamp is regarded as an integral part of devotional practice.
Deepaks feature prominently in festivals celebrated in the Indian subcontinent, most notably Diwali, the festival of lights. The use of these lamps during such occasions reflects long-standing customs associated with auspiciousness and worship within these traditions.
The variety of materials used in making a deepak — from humble earthen clay to metals such as brass and silver — reflects its broad usage across households, temples and community gatherings. Its design, with a small reservoir for oil or ghee and a cotton wick, has remained largely consistent in form across regions.
References
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article on Diya (lamp).