Diwali Diyas (candles). Sunita, one of our viewers, writes: The Indian New Year is Diwali and we celebrate good over evil by lighting rows of lamps or 'diyas'. Thanks Sunita! A Diwali Diya is a small lamp that is lit especially at Diwali (New Year's in India).Diyas are typically made of clay with Ghee or oil used as the fuel and cotton wool as the wick.LTK's Countries and Cultures-India. Sunita, one of our viewers, writes: The Indian New Year is Diwali and we celebrate good over evil by lighting rows of lamps or 'diyas'.