Diwali 2025: Is It Lucky or Unlucky to Relight Old Diyas? Know the Key Rules for Lighting Lamps

Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the arrival of prosperity and joy into homes. On this auspicious day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha while illuminating their surroundings with countless glowing diyas (earthen lamps). Yet, a common doubt arises every year — is it right to relight old diyas from the previous Diwali or those used in sacred rituals? Let’s understand the traditional beliefs and correct rules for lighting lamps on Diwali.

For general worship, earthen lamps are considered sacred and are ideally meant for single use. Once used in any puja, these clay diyas should not be reused, as they are believed to absorb both divine and negative energies during the ritual. Reusing the same lamps in future ceremonies is therefore considered inauspicious.

On Diwali, it is especially advised not to reuse diyas that were part of the main Lakshmi-Ganesha puja. According to traditional beliefs, these lamps hold residual energy from the ritual and should either be immersed in a holy river or respectfully placed under sacred trees like Peepal or Tulsi after the festival.

However, the lamp lit for Yama — known as the Yama Deepak — during Dhanteras night or Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), can be reused. This lamp, usually filled with mustard oil, is lit facing south to ward off untimely death and ensure protection for family members.

If you use diyas made of metal, such as brass or silver, they can be lit again after proper cleaning and purification with fire. Relighting them is not only auspicious but also an environment-friendly choice.

Lighting a broken lamp, however, is considered very unlucky. Doing so is believed to attract financial troubles and negativity into the home.

If you wish to make use of old earthen lamps, you may reuse them for decorative purposes — such as creating art pieces or garden décor — rather than for worship.

When lighting diyas for Diwali, certain guidelines enhance their auspiciousness. Always place lamps facing east or north, as these directions represent positivity and prosperity. The lamp at the entrance should have its flame facing inward, symbolizing wealth entering the home. Meanwhile, the Yama Deepak must face south.

It is also considered lucky to light diyas in odd numbers like 5, 7, 9, 11, 21, 51, or 108. Begin the Diwali puja by lighting the first diya in the home temple, preferably using ghee instead of oil for added sanctity.

Important areas for lighting diyas include the main entrance, prayer room, living area, the southeast corner of the kitchen, near the Tulsi plant, under the Peepal tree, and even on balconies or terraces.

One crucial rule — never light one lamp from another, as this act is considered inauspicious. Also, once a diya is lit, it should not be extinguished manually or by blowing air, as that is seen as disrespectful to Goddess Lakshmi.