Diwali is a five-day festival observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Occurring in October or November it also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.

The festival is linked to the ancient legend of Rama and Sita. In the story, Dashratha, King of Ayodhya, has four sons from three wives: Rama (the eldest), Bharata and the youngest Lakshmana and Satrugna (twins). Having married Sita, Rama is designated by Dashratha as heir to the throne. However, Bharata’s mother becomes envious and desires kingship for her own son. She compels Dashratha to exile Rama, Sita, and Lakshman to the forest for fourteen years.

During their exile, the demon Ravana abducts Sita and takes her to his island kingdom of Lanka. Rama, following clues left by Sita, encounters Hanuman, the monkey-king, who utilizes his supernatural ability to locate Sita. Together with Hanuman, Rama assembles an army of animals and leads a campaign against Lanka.

Rama ultimately defeats Ravana with a mystical arrow, and upon completion of their exile, Rama and Sita return to Ayodhya. Their arrival is celebrated by the people, who illuminate their path home with lamps placed outside their residences. This is where the name Diwali comes from, the Sanskrit word dīpāvali, a combination of dīpa, “lamp/light,” and āvali, “a row.”

If you would like to watch the story we recommend this child friendly BBC version. 

Happy Diwali to our Hindu and Sikh families.