A lit lamp (dip) has the component of absolute fire (tej tattva). A quote from the Mahatmya Kalika Puran says, ‘A lit lamp can lead to victory. Lamps should be lit as it symbolizes radiance and leads us towards final liberation (moksha)’. The lamp should be lit using ghee (clarified butter), as it is sattva predominant (sattvik). This also helps to make the surrounding atmosphere sattvik. Nowadays there is a trend of lighting candles, which is a western tradition. However, since candles are tama predominant (tamasik) they do not help spiritually.