"Lighting the lamps"

This is a very ancient tradition in India. For generations lamps are lit in the
house. The types of lamps vary from household to household and in the olden days
the grander the lamps the grander the status of the house.
The flame in the lamp is equated to the lighting of the soul. The lamp that is being lit
is called the 'Kuthu Villake' and has five corners, each representing the five elements.
This is one of the most common lamps and you will find it in most houses.
The lamp to the left is the 'Paavai Villake' or the lady lamp. It is a beautifully carved
lamp with a very ornate base.
The lamps are lit with oil and a thread called the 'Thiri'. The thiri is soaked in the oil and
then lit.

Read more about lamps in India...