Diwali: The Festival of Lights, is one of the most popular and well-known Hindu holidays, celebrated annually to commemorate a blessed event from a long time ago.
We delve into the profound spiritual origins of the tradition, focusing on the triumphant return of Shri Rama, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and rightful King of Ayodhya, after enduring a fourteen-year exile.
The primary occasion celebrated is the homecoming of Rama, His devoted wife Sita Devi, and His brother Lakshmana. This occurred after Rama, the avatara of Vishnu, successfully led a massive Vanara (monkey) army to defeat the formidable Rakshasa king, Ravana.
Returning on the celestial aerial car known as the Pushpaka, Lord Rama ensured that His loyal allies, including the heroes of the rescue like Hanuman and the chief Vanaras, were brought along to share in the glory.
The citizens of Ayodhya, having waited anxiously for fourteen years, greeted them with an extraordinary welcome. They went to great lengths to celebrate, decorating the city and lighting countless lamps (dipas or diyas), a spectacle so memorable it spawned the annual celebration known as Deepavali (a row of lamps).
We explore the legacy of this divine homecoming and understand why the glorious return of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana signifies true success (siddhartha) in life. The occasion of Diwali remains an eternal reminder that God never forgets even the slightest service offered with love and devotion.
