Which Diwali lamp is lit to honor the god of death?

The Diwali lamp lit to honor the god of death is Yama Deepam, also called Yama Dipadana or Jam ke Diya.

The ritual is commonly observed during Dhanteras, the thirteenth lunar day of Diwali’s opening period. Families light a small diya, often using sesame oil, and traditionally place it outside the home facing south. South is associated with Yama, who is regarded in Hindu tradition as the guardian and judge of the departed.

The practice is not a celebration of death itself. It is a devotional appeal for protection, longevity, and freedom from untimely death. This purpose distinguishes Yama Deepam from lamps dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, which are central to many Diwali prosperity rituals.

Regional customs vary: some households observe Yama Deepam on Dhanteras, while others connect it with another early Diwali night. The lamp may be made from wheat flour or clay, and its placement outside the home is a key feature. Yama’s older Vedic identity also matters: he was remembered as the first mortal to die and therefore became ruler of the dead.