Return to Ayodhya: Story of Diwali

Story

रामाय रामभद्राय रामचन्द्राय वेधसे।

रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीतायाः पतये नमः॥

Ramaya Ramabhadraya Ramachandraya Vedhase

Raghunathaya Nathaya Sitayah Pataye Namah

I bow to Lord Rama, who is auspicious and gives joy, who is the protector of all, the beloved of Sita, and the leader of the Raghu dynasty.

Vidya, a fifth-grade student, was preparing for Diwali with great excitement. Sometimes she helped her mother make sweets, and at other times, she decorated the temple with flowers alongside her grandmother. While decorating the temple, she asked her grandmother, "Dadi, why do we celebrate Diwali?"

Placing the idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh in the temple, her grandmother replied, "Vidya, there is a beautiful story behind celebrating Diwali. Let me tell you the story of Diwali as we make this flower garland together."

A long time ago, in India, there was a city named Ayodhya, ruled by King Dasharatha. He had four sons – Ram, Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughna. All four brothers were very wise and virtuous.

Among them, Shri Ram was the eldest. He obeyed his parents in every way and took great care of his younger brothers.

When Shri Ram grew older, he married Princess Sita, the daughter of King Janak. Shri Ram was leading a happy life with his family, but one day, to fulfil his father’s promise, he went into exile for 14 years, along with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman.

In the forest, they faced many difficulties. Sometimes they had to endure heavy rains, and at other times, scorching heat. They had to protect themselves from wild animals and work hard to gather food. Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Sita bravely faced all the hardships and lived their life in the forest.

One day, when Shri Ram and Lakshman were not in their hut, the evil king of Lanka, Ravana, disguised as a sage, came and forcibly abducted Sita and took her to his kingdom, which was across the sea.

Ravana wanted to marry Sita. He was a powerful demon with ten heads, and his tyranny terrified not only humans but also the gods.

When Shri Ram and Lakshman returned to the hut and did not find Sita, they became worried. They searched for her in every corner of the forest. During their search, they met the bird king Jatayu, who informed them that Sita had been taken by Ravana, the king of Lanka.

Shri Ram pledged to bring Mata Sita back and punish Ravana for his evil deeds. As they continued searching for Sita, they met the monkey king Sugreev and his friend Hanumanji.

Hanumanji found out where Mata Sita was. With the help of Sugreev, Hanuman, and the monkey army, Shri Ram crossed the ocean and reached Lanka. A fierce battle took place between Shri Ram’s army and Ravana’s army, and in the end, Shri Ram defeated Ravana and rescued Sita from Lanka. With the defeat of Ravana, good triumphed over evil.

After completing 14 years of exile, Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Mata Sita returned to Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya joyfully welcomed them and lit lamps throughout the city. This day is celebrated as Diwali, commemorating the return of Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Mata Sita. Diwali reminds us that no matter how dense the darkness of evil, the light of goodness always dispels it.”

“Wow, Dadi! The story of Diwali is wonderful. Oh! I forgot to make the rangoli,” exclaimed Vidya.

She and her brother Anay created a beautiful rangoli at the doorstep. In the evening, the whole family worshipped Goddess Lakshmi and Bhagwan Ganesh.

Vidya and Anay decorated the entire house with lamps and distributed sweets and toys to underprivileged children.