Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Why is Diwali Festival Celebrated?
Do you remember the Tale of Sita and Rama?

Prince Rama was born to the king of the
holy city of Ayodhya.
One day Ravana, the king of demons,
disguised himself as a wise old man.
He tricked Sita ( Rama’s wife) and
kidnapped her.
He took her to an island in the middle of the
sea.
When Rama found out he began a journey
to find Sita.

Rama was helped by an army of monkeys.
Rama and his army used trees and rocks to build a
Bridge to reach the island.
After the bridge was finished,
Rama led his army across
and a great battle was fought.
Finally, Rama killed Ravana with a magic
arrow.
When Sita and Rama returned to Ayodhya, the
people of the city lit small, oil-burning lamps
called diyas to celebrate the triumph
of good over evil.

The light from the candles symbolized good, replacing
darkness and evil.
Now every year. Hindus repeat the custom of lighting
lamps, to honor Rama and to celebrate goodness and
light.
The purpose of this festival is to celebrate goodness in
one another.
For four or five days you can see lamps and candles
illuminating windows and doorways throughout the cities
and countryside.

Lakshimi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity is
also welcomed into the homes of Hindus during
Diwali.
Diwali is a time of new beginnings, just like New Year’s
celebrations are for Christians.