Deepotsava is a common sight during the last week of Kartika maasa of the Hindu calendar. Lots and lots of oil lamps adorning the temples’ premises during this time is a sight to behold. Last time I photographed this event was a few years ago – check it out here.
This year, I spent time photographing Deepotsava in my own neighborhood temple. I’ve grown up frequenting this temple. Every exam during school years were preceded by a visit to this temple. College years saw me hanging out at this temple with friends from the locality almost every evening. I pass this temple daily, though visits have dwindled. Many things have changed – but the charm remains, thankfully.
There’s a big, old banyan tree right in the center of the premises that I just love! Nowadays, its a beehive of activity in the mornings and evenings. There are morning walkers trying to get some fresh air, elders congregating to discuss politics, youngsters that remind me of my own days from yester-years, etc. Add to all this the celebratory mood of Deepotsava – it was a memorable evening indeed.
There are several stories about the significance of Deepotsava. The general theme is about amplifying and projecting the goodness out to the world around us. Its symbolic – light represents goodness, knowledge, the harbinger of good luck. Here are images that I captured to show the essence of this day.
Oil lamps ready to be lit on Deepotsava evening
The evening crowd awaits Deeptotava
Priest performing pooja before Deepotsava
People start lighting the oil lamps
Let there be light in the world
The atmosphere here was fantastic
The tree looks fabulous in the glow of light from the oil lamps
It was not all hustle-bustle at the Deepotsava
Final image I took before I packed up my bag
I had visited with a friend. After shooting images, I just sat for a while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, while chatting away with my friend. An evening well spent.
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