Diwali 2023: The Sacred Tradition Of Applying Kajal Made From Lamps Explained

Diwali, known as the festival of lights, is a cherished celebration that occurs on the Amavasya date of the Kartik month. This festival is marked by the illumination of lamps, the worship of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, and various traditional practices. One such practice involves the application of kajal made from Diwali lamps, a custom rooted in deep beliefs and cultural significance. In this article, we delve into the reason, procedure, and benefits behind this sacred tradition.

# The Belief Behind Kajal Made from Diwali Lamps :
The festival of Diwali is deeply entrenched in several beliefs, including the welcoming of wealth and prosperity into homes through the grace of Goddess Lakshmi, the infusion of positive energy via lamp lighting, and the auspicious nature of applying kajal made from these lamps. This practice is not only considered a symbol of prosperity but is also believed to have healing properties for the eyes. Let's explore the significance of this age-old tradition.

# Preparing Kajal on Diwali :
To harness the auspicious effects of Diwali puja, it is recommended to make kajal from Diwali lamps. The process is centuries old and involves the following steps:

1. Take an earthen lamp and fill it with oil.
2. Place a cotton wick in the lamp after filling it with oil.
3. Light the lamp at your place of worship.
4. Cover the burning lamp with another lamp turned upside down, allowing it to burn throughout the night.
5. In the morning, after taking a bath, uncover the lamp. The overnight burning process transforms the lamp's residue into kajal.
6. Store this kajal in a small container, adding some desi ghee to it.
7. Apply this sacred kajal to all members of the household after worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

# Benefits of Applying Kajal Made from Diyas:

Applying kajal made on the night of Diwali is believed to bring various benefits, such as:

• Protection from the evil eye and negative energy.
• Quick relief from life's challenges.
• Auspicious results and immense success in one's endeavors.
• Enhanced positivity and confidence in accomplishing tasks.
• Safeguarding one's wealth from the evil eye, ensuring financial stability.

# The Belief Behind Making Kajal from Diyas:
According to religious beliefs, applying ' Kala Tika ' and kajal serves as a protective measure against the evil eye. It is believed that the application of kajal made from an earthen lamp on Diwali night ensures that no member of the family faces misfortune and that happiness and peace remain in their lives. Many households and merchants also apply black tika to their safes on this day to safeguard their wealth.

# Scientific Benefits:
Beyond its cultural and religious significance, there are scientific reasons to support the practice of applying kajal on Diwali. Kajal made from earthen lamps is pure and beneficial for the eyes. Diwali is a time when fireworks are lit, emitting harmful smoke that can be detrimental to eye health. Applying kajal helps protect the eyes from the adverse effects of the smoke and prevents dirt from accumulating on them.

# Kajal-Making Ritual:
Kajal made on Diwali is prepared at night after the Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja. Women in the household are typically responsible for creating the kajal from the large earthen lamp used in the worship. This kajal is not only applied to the eyes of all family members but is also placed on important household items such as cupboards, safes, and cooking stoves. This ritual is believed to remove obstacles from one's life, ensuring a prosperous and harmonious future.