How to Light the Lamp

In the morning after your bath, and in the evening at sunset.

Significance

In Tamil homes, lighting the lamp is a sign of good fortune (mangalam). Many families still keep the custom of lighting the lamp in the evening.

Wash the lamp well, wipe it dry and set it in place.
Put turmeric and kumkumam on the lamp and place a flower on it.
Pour in the oil and soak the wick in it. In many homes, two wicks are twisted together into one.
The lamp is mostly lit with the wick facing east. The custom is not to light it facing south.
Light the lamp, join your palms and pray.
To put it out, do not blow on it. The custom is to put it out with a flower, or by pulling the wick back into the oil.

Do not keep a burning lamp near curtains, cloth or paper. Put out the lamp when you leave the house.

This is only a general guide. If your family custom is different, follow that. Ask your elders and your priest.