Should you light old diyas on Diwali? Find out what’s considered auspicious, what’s not, and the important rules to follow.

Digital Desk

Diwali 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, October 20. This auspicious festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, prosperity over adversity, and positive energy over negativity. Lighting lamps (diyas) holds great spiritual significance on this day — they are not only a source of light but also considered a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings, happiness, and abundance.

However, many people often wonder whether it is auspicious or inauspicious to reuse the earthen lamps (diyas) from the previous year or from past rituals.

🪔 Rules for Earthen Lamps

In general worship, earthen lamps are considered auspicious for one-time use only. Especially during the main Diwali puja, reusing the same lamps is believed to be inauspicious, as they are thought to absorb negative energies.

🔸 Yama Deepak

The Yama Deepak, lit on Dhanteras or Naraka Chaturdashi night in honor of Lord Yama, can be relit using mustard oil. This sacred lamp is believed to protect the family from untimely death.

🔸 Metal Lamps (Brass or Silver)

If you use brass or silver lamps for worship, clean them thoroughly and purify them with fire before reuse. Relighting such lamps is considered highly auspicious and also reflects environmental consciousness.

🔸 Broken Lamps

Lighting a cracked or broken lamp during Diwali or any ritual is regarded as inauspicious, as it is believed to bring financial loss and negativity into the home.

🔸 Using Old Lamps

Old earthen lamps can be immersed in a holy river or placed beneath a Peepal or Tulsi plant for respectful disposal. If you prefer not to immerse them, you can repurpose them for home decoration or art projects.

🌟 Important Rules for Lighting Diyas on Diwali

Direction: Always face the east or north while lighting diyas. The Yama Deepak should face south.
Count: Keep the number of diyas odd — 5, 7, 9, 11, 21, 51, or 108 are considered auspicious.
First Diya: Begin the ritual by lighting the first lamp in your home temple.
Placement: Diyas should be lit at the main entrance, living room, southeast corner of the kitchen, near Tulsi or Peepal plants, and on the balcony or terrace.
Do not light one diya from another: It is considered inauspicious.
Do not extinguish the diya manually: Avoid blowing it out with your breath or hand during worship.Following these traditional rules while lighting diyas on Diwali is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings, fill the home with positive energy, and bring prosperity and harmony throughout the year.