Diwali, the festival of lights, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people in India. It’s a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, symbolized by the lighting of diyas and the bursting of fireworks. However, there’s another beautiful tradition associated with Diwali – the lighting of Akash Deep, also known as sky lanterns. These lanterns grace the night sky during the Hindu festival of lights, adding an enchanting touch to the celebrations.
Akash Deep, or sky lanterns, have a rich history deeply embedded in Indian culture. They play a significant role in Diwali decorations and rituals. People light these lanterns for various reasons, including honoring their ancestors, enhancing the beauty of their homes, and expressing devotion to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, the deities of wealth and knowledge.
According to the insights of renowned Hindu astrologer Acharya Pandit Avinash Mishra, the history of Akash Deep traces its roots back to the era of the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. It is believed that when King Ram of Ayodhya returned to his city after defeating the demon king Ravana, the citizens of Ayodhya illuminated his path with lamps. In celebration of his homecoming following a 14-year exile, the people of Ayodhya crafted small diyas from bamboo and lit them, marking the inception of this cherished tradition. Over time, modern sky lanterns, often of Chinese origin, have become popular. These lanterns rely on a burning wax fuel source to generate hot air, allowing them to ascend into the sky.
Pandit Avinash Mishra further enlightens us on the auspiciousness of lighting a sky lantern during the month of Kartik. This act is believed to bring happiness, wealth, and good fortune into the lives of those who partake in it. Lighting an Akash Deep connects individuals with the blessings of their ancestors, gods, and goddesses. It is also said that those who release a sky lantern on the new moon day of Kartik month can attain salvation. This beautiful tradition typically commences from the ekadashi of Ashwin Shukla Paksha and continues until the ekadashi of Kartik Shukla Paksha.
In the modern age, lighting Akash Deep from balconies or terraces has become a cherished tradition during Diwali. As the lanterns ascend into the dark sky, they symbolize the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of light and hope. It is a tradition that not only holds historical significance but also carries profound spiritual and cultural meaning.
