Ayodhya lit with lakhs of lamps as Ram returns after 14 years of exile, origin of Diwali

Lord Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile and slaying Ravana, the king of Lanka. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them with great enthusiasm. The preparations for that welcome and the celebration that followed are marked as Diwali, the biggest festival of Indian culture.

The day Ram returned was the new moon night (amavasya) of the month of Kartik. To light up that dark night, lakhs of clay lamps (diyas) were lit across Ayodhya. Everyone placed lamps of pure ghee on rooftops, in courtyards and in every lane. The whole city was bathed in golden light. For this reason the day came to be called Deepavali, meaning a row of lamps.

As soon as news of Ram's arrival came, the entire city was cleaned and the streets were washed. Colourful pennants (patakas) and beautiful garlanded arches of flowers were put up on houses and palaces. Large, striking rangolis were made in front of every doorway. Fragrant flowers and perfume were sprinkled across the city, filling the air with scent.

The people of Ayodhya swayed with joy at the return of Ram Rajya. At crossroads, auspicious instruments such as the dhol, tasha, conch and mridang were played. People sang and danced, hailing the name of Ram. With the 14-year separation over, every citizen had tears of joy.

As soon as Ram reached the border of Ayodhya, his brothers Bharat and Shatrughna, along with Mata Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi, went to meet him, overcome with emotion. Bharat welcomed Ram by lying at his feet.

Ram was then brought to the royal palace with full honour. In the presence of Sage Vasishtha and other sages, Lord Ram was grandly crowned. The rule of Ayodhya was once again placed in Ram's hands.

On this joyous occasion, sweets were distributed and food was donated across Ayodhya. Clothes and valuables were given in charity to the poor. Every home in Ayodhya was decorated like a temple to welcome Ram. It was not merely the journey of a king's return but a celebration of the victory of dharma over adharma, and of truth, which is observed every year as Diwali with the same enthusiasm.