Lighting a lamp at dusk, sandhya deepam, is one of the simplest and most widely followed rituals in Hindu homes. It takes about ten minutes.
What you need
A brass or clay lamp, a cotton wick, ghee or sesame oil, and a few flowers.
How to do it
- Clean the lamp and place it in the pooja room, facing east or north.
- Add ghee or oil and a fresh wick.
- Light the lamp, offer a flower and fold your hands.
- Recite a short prayer of your choice.
Consistency matters more than length. A lamp lit every evening, even briefly, brings calm to the home.
