In many Indian homes, the day begins and ends with a small lamp. Morning and evening aarti, the lamp before a deity, the rows of diyas at Diwali and the akhand jyoti that burns continuously through Navratri all traditionally use ghee, and in particular cow ghee. The custom varies by region and family, and oil lamps are equally traditional in many places. This is a practical guide for those who light with ghee.
Why cow ghee for lamps
In Hindu tradition, cow ghee is considered pure and auspicious, and a ghee lamp is regarded as a fitting offering. It burns with a steady, bright, golden flame and gives off a gentle, pleasant aroma. You will find claims online that ghee lamps purify the air or have measurable health benefits. We do not think those claims are established, and we would rather you light a diya for its meaning than for a promise.
What you need
- Clay or brass diyas
- Cotton wicks (round phool batti for aarti, long batti for standing lamps)
- Cow ghee
- A small steel spoon kept only for puja ghee
- A plate or tray to set diyas on
Preparing clay diyas
New clay diyas are porous and soak up ghee. Soak them in water for an hour or two, then let them dry completely before use. This reduces how much ghee the clay absorbs, and the diya burns more evenly. Make sure they are fully dry, since water and hot ghee do not mix well.
Preparing wicks
Roll cotton wicks between your palms to make them firm and even. Before lighting, soak the wick in melted ghee for a few minutes so it is saturated. A dry wick burns quickly and chars; a soaked one draws ghee steadily and gives a longer, cleaner flame.
How much ghee
- A small clay diya: about 1 to 2 teaspoons of melted ghee.
- A brass aarti diya: 1 to 2 teaspoons for a short aarti.
- An akhand jyoti or large lamp: much more, topped up regularly.
Pour melted ghee into the diya so the wick sits partly in it, with the tip above the ghee. Too much ghee drowns the wick; too little and the flame dies quickly.
How long does a ghee diya burn?
A small clay diya with a teaspoon or two of ghee usually burns for somewhere around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the wick and the size of the flame. Larger lamps with more ghee and a thicker wick burn for hours. Trimming a charred wick tip keeps the flame steady.
Solid ghee in winter
In cool weather ghee sets hard. Warm a little in a small steel bowl before pouring it into diyas. You can also pack soft ghee directly around the wick in the diya; it melts as the lamp burns.
Safety, especially at Diwali
- Place diyas on a steel or brass plate, never directly on wooden shelves or cloth.
- Keep them away from curtains, rangoli powders, paper decorations and flower garlands.
- Keep them well out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not leave diyas burning unattended, especially on balconies where wind can knock them over.
- Keep a small bucket of sand or a damp cloth nearby when you have many lamps lit.
- Wear fitted sleeves when lighting rows of diyas; loose dupattas and saree pallus catch fire easily.
Old ghee for lamps
Many families set aside ghee that has lost its aroma but is not rancid or mouldy for lighting lamps rather than throwing it away. If ghee has become properly rancid, it may smell unpleasant as it burns, so use fresher ghee for rooms where you pray.
Keeping puja ghee separate
Many households keep a small jar of ghee only for puja, opened with a dedicated spoon, so it is never touched by kitchen utensils or food. It is a practical habit as well as a respectful one.
A 250 ml jar of A2 Gir Cow Ghee is a size many families keep just for the mandir. For Diwali, when dozens of diyas are lit, a larger jar of Desi Cow A2 Ghee goes further.