Why We Celebrate Diwali

After fourteen long years of exile, Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana in Lanka and rescued Sita. With his brother Lakshmana and the great Hanuman by his side, Rama finally journeyed home to Ayodhya in the magical Pushpaka Vimana. The people of Ayodhya had waited and prayed for their beloved prince for fourteen years. When word came that Rama was returning, the entire city burst with joy. Every home, street, and rooftop was decorated. But it was a dark Amavasya night — the new moon — with no light in the sky. So the people lit thousands upon thousands of clay lamps — diyas — turning the dark night into a golden ocean of light. Rama descended to find his city glowing like the stars had fallen to earth. That night of joy, light, and homecoming is celebrated every year as Diwali.