The festival of lights, Diwali or Deepavali as it is sometimes called, is a five day celebration all over India. This festival is celebrated to rejoice in the classic victory of good over evil- and the lighting of lamps signifies the lighting of the knowledge within us that helps us to distinguish the goodness in the world. The real meaning of this festival lies in spending time with loved ones, and burning away the negativity in our hearts just as we burn firecrackers!
Legend has it that this festival marked the return of Prince Ram to Ayodhya, after his sojourn in the forest for 14 years. During his exile, the demon king of Sri Lanka, Ravana kidnapped Ram’s wife Sita from the jungle. With an army that was headed by the monkey prince Hanuman, Ram and Lakshman attacked Sri Lanka and freed Sita from Ravana’s custody.
On the arrival of Lord Ram back in his hometown Ayodhya along with his wife Sita, all the people decorated their homes and the entire city by lighting tiny diyas or oil lamps everywhere. This was the very first Diwali!
We wish each and every one of you a wonderful Diwali, and may you have peace and prosperity in good measure all throughout the coming year!
