Long, lean bamboo poles with bamboo baskets dangling on the upper
tips stood in clusters on Madhis (the platforms on both sides of the
steps leading to Ganges.) on various ghats of Ganges at Varanasi. This
is a common site on ghats in the Hindu month of Kartik. Every evening
Diyas [earthen lamps] are lighted and placed in these baskets in the
memories of ancestors, the symbolic significance being that these lamps
light the path of the departed soul upto heaven. These are known as
Aakash deep or Aakash kandeel. The tradition is said to run from as long
as people can remember.
As twilight descends, the ripples on Ganges water hitherto bathed in golden sunlight, dancing merrily get sombre.Sky overhead dons it's inky blue night gown and Ganges flows placidly absorbing the calm greys of atmosphere. Groups of men and women with their pooja baskets start gathering near these bamboo poles.
This was the Kartik month of 2016 and we were on Nepali ghat at that evening. Preparations for lighting diyas were on. The hanging baskets were lowered with the help of thin ropes attached to pulleys and baskets. Diyas taken out, filled with oil and fresh cotton wicks, the lighted diyas placed inside basket and the basket once again pulled up on the poles. The dangling baskets facing the sky and the flickering lights of Diyas paying homage to departed souls, women making rangolis near poles, chanting shlokas, praying with folded hands, lighting few more diyas on ground near each pole in the name of Gods and Goddess.... the entire scene filled the heart with peace and content. It was like a bridge of bonds and emotions has been erected from earth to heaven.The lighted baskets overhead moved slowly, rhythmically on the tune of winds. It felt as if the souls of ancestors are expressing their happiness, bestowing their blessings. What a beautiful concept of remembrance, gratitude and duty.
It is said that corresponding to the Diya in Aakash deep one more Diya is lighted on the ground near the respective pole. As if denoting that the lineage is alive and continuing. This one Diya is essentially lighted while rest are optional. one can light as many as one wants in the names of kul devtas, devis and other Gods.
On one of the ghats these Aakash deeps were lighted in memory of martyrs, who lost their lives defending our country during various terrorists attacks.
We also witnessed lighting of Aakash deeps at Ganga Mahal Ghat on the terrace of Krishna temple. on ghats the poles were erected on Madhis (рдордв़ी) near the steps of Ghats and the reflection of lighted Diyas could be seen in the Ganges water. View of Aakash deeps on terrace of temple from the ghats looked like a group of fireflies.
Aakashdeep are like lighted verse of prayers reaching zenith.
This month long event culminates on the day of Kartik Poornima.,when the glorious moon steps out in it's most magnificent form, smiling and assuring the lamps that the journey of light will go on for ever.
All pictures by Sunder Iyer.
As twilight descends, the ripples on Ganges water hitherto bathed in golden sunlight, dancing merrily get sombre.Sky overhead dons it's inky blue night gown and Ganges flows placidly absorbing the calm greys of atmosphere. Groups of men and women with their pooja baskets start gathering near these bamboo poles.
This was the Kartik month of 2016 and we were on Nepali ghat at that evening. Preparations for lighting diyas were on. The hanging baskets were lowered with the help of thin ropes attached to pulleys and baskets. Diyas taken out, filled with oil and fresh cotton wicks, the lighted diyas placed inside basket and the basket once again pulled up on the poles. The dangling baskets facing the sky and the flickering lights of Diyas paying homage to departed souls, women making rangolis near poles, chanting shlokas, praying with folded hands, lighting few more diyas on ground near each pole in the name of Gods and Goddess.... the entire scene filled the heart with peace and content. It was like a bridge of bonds and emotions has been erected from earth to heaven.The lighted baskets overhead moved slowly, rhythmically on the tune of winds. It felt as if the souls of ancestors are expressing their happiness, bestowing their blessings. What a beautiful concept of remembrance, gratitude and duty.
It is said that corresponding to the Diya in Aakash deep one more Diya is lighted on the ground near the respective pole. As if denoting that the lineage is alive and continuing. This one Diya is essentially lighted while rest are optional. one can light as many as one wants in the names of kul devtas, devis and other Gods.
On one of the ghats these Aakash deeps were lighted in memory of martyrs, who lost their lives defending our country during various terrorists attacks.
We also witnessed lighting of Aakash deeps at Ganga Mahal Ghat on the terrace of Krishna temple. on ghats the poles were erected on Madhis (рдордв़ी) near the steps of Ghats and the reflection of lighted Diyas could be seen in the Ganges water. View of Aakash deeps on terrace of temple from the ghats looked like a group of fireflies.
Aakashdeep are like lighted verse of prayers reaching zenith.
This month long event culminates on the day of Kartik Poornima.,when the glorious moon steps out in it's most magnificent form, smiling and assuring the lamps that the journey of light will go on for ever.
All pictures by Sunder Iyer.
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