The Nilavilakku is integral to all the rituals and ceremonies in a Malayalee's (Keralite) life. As dusk creeps in, young girls of the family bring the lighted lamps  (nilavilakku) to the verandah of the house. In the flickering light of the nilavilakku she is joined by the children and elders of the family, especially the grandparents, in chanting hymns and evening prayers.

Lighting the nilavilakku on any occasion is believed to be auspicious. Huge nilavilakku play an important role at the presentation of various art forms since most of them are performed at night in the light of the traditional lamp.