The
most popular view of the history of Deepavali (or Diwali) is taken from Ramayana,
the great hindu epic of India.
The epic says that after a long and tough
fight, Lord Rama was finally able to kill the asura king Ravana, and bring back
his wife, mother Sita. Ravana was slain on Dussera, which also celebrated all
over India, when effigies with fireworks of Ravana are burnt, signaling triup
of good over evil.
It was also the end of his exile (vanabas) and time
to return to his kingdom.
For more details on Ramayana, please visit
the Ramayana page, by clicking here.
The
day Rama came back to his kingdom, with his brother Laxman, and wife Sita, his
whole kingdom was ecstatic with boundless with joy. They loved their king and
the fact the king was returning resulted is celebrations everywhere. The whole
kingdom was lit up with small diyas (oil lamps). Every house, every balcony, every
street, and every place were lit up with numerous small lamps, welcoming Lord
Rama. This Pleased the returning trio immensely.
The
tradition is carried on till date, and the whole if India is lit up with small
lights, celebrating the day of Lord Rama's return, and beginning of prosperity.
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