Diwali is a festival that brings light with it. It marks the victory of good over evil, brightness over darkness, and the joy of reunions. In India, Diwali is celebrated by spending time with friends and family. While everyone knows that the Ramayana is a significant historical epic, do you know the deeper history behind it? It tells a long story filled with themes of separation, sacrifice, love, struggle, duty, dharma, and reunion—elements that are intricately woven into the fabric of this festival. The word “Ramayana” is a combination of “Rama” and “Ayana,” meaning Rama’s journey.

The Ramayana begins with the birth of Lord Ram to King Dasharath and his first wife, Kausalya, in Ayodhya. The king and his three wives had no children, which filled them with sorrow. Their desire for a child led them to perform a fire sacrifice after the queens—Kaushalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi—were unable to bear an heir. The sage Vashishth suggested the Putra Kameshti Yagna ceremony, where the queens participated, and King Dasharath distributed Payasam. Following the yagna, Queen Kaushalya gave birth to Ram, the avatar of Lord Vishnu. Queen Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharat, while Queen Sumitra gave birth to Lakshman and Shatrughna. Lakshman was an avatar of Sheshnag, the lord of serpents.

Meanwhile, King Janaka of Mithila discovered an abandoned baby girl in a drought-stricken field and adopted her. Years later, Janaka organised a Swayamwar to find a suitable husband for Sita, who was the avatar of Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Narayana. The condition was that the prince would have to string the Pinaka, the bow of the deity Shiva. Many princes attempted but failed; however, Prince Ram effortlessly strung the bow. Ram and Sita fell in love at first sight in the garden. Sita married Ram, while Urmila, Sita’s younger sister, married Lakshman, Ram’s younger brother. Lord Vishnu (Ram) and Goddess Lakshmi (Sita) symbolise true love.

King Dasharath’s favourite son was Ram, and he wished for Ram to be the king of Ayodhya. However, Kaikeyi, one of the king’s wives, invoked two wishes granted to her by Dasharath. One wish was to send Ram into 14 years of exile (Vanvas), while the other was to make Bharat the king. Dasharath was compelled to fulfil Kaikeyi’s demands. Ram accepted his fate, ensuring his father could keep his promise. Sita, who had grown up in royal luxury, chose to accompany her husband into the forest. Lakshman, who loved and respected his brother, insisted on joining them to protect both Ram and Sita, whom he regarded as a mother figure. To safeguard them from danger, Lakshman resolved to stay awake for the entire 14 years, while Urmila, his wife, slept in his stead. The path they took is known as the Ram Van Gaman Path, through which Ram wandered across various states.

Surpanakha, the sister of the demon king Ravana, saw Ram and fell in love with him. When Ram rejected her advances due to his marriage, Surpanakha attempted to harm Sita, leading Lakshman to cut off her nose. Humiliated, she sought revenge from her brother Ravan, describing Sita’s beauty and igniting Ravan’s desire to marry her. One day, while Ram and Sita were resting under a tree, Sita spotted a golden deer and urged Ram to capture it for her. Ram pursued the deer, unaware that it was a demon in disguise, sent by Ravan. After Ram attacked the demon with his bow and arrow, it called out for help in Ram’s voice.

Worried for Sita’s safety, Lakshman ventured into the forest, drawing a protective line called Lakshman Rekha around their hut. This line would prevent anyone from crossing into the hut without permission. Later, a sage approached Sita, asking for food. She offered him food without crossing the Lakshman Rekha, but the sage, feeling disrespected, became angry. To appease him, Sita crossed the line and handed him food, only to discover that he was Ravan in disguise. Ravan then kidnapped Sita and transported her to Lanka in his Pushpaka Vimana. Hearing Sita’s screams, Ram and Lakshman rushed to the hut, but she was nowhere to be found.

Jatayu, a vulture, attempted to rescue Sita but was fatally injured by Ravan. Before dying, he informed Ram that Ravan had taken Sita to Lanka.

Ram travelled the length of India in search of his kidnapped wife. He sought the help of Sugriv, who agreed to assist Ram in exchange for his help against his own adversaries. Ram helped Sugriv reclaim his throne, and in return, Sugriv, his Vanar soldiers, and Hanuman—son of the wind god, also known as Pavan Putra—embarked on a quest to find Sita. Hanuman discovered that Sita was on an island across the sea, but they faced the challenge of crossing it. Ram prayed to the god of water, who declared that any stone inscribed with “Jay Shree Ram” would float. The Vanar soldiers constructed a Ram Setu to cross the sea.

Ram attempted to negotiate with Ravan to resolve the situation without conflict, but Ravan was unwilling. A fierce battle ensued between the demons and the Vanars. Ultimately, Ram confronted Ravan. Ravan was immortal, with the secret to his immortality hidden in his belly; he could only be defeated by striking there. Ram struck Ravan with a bow and arrow, ending his reign of terror. After Ravan’s defeat, Ram, Sita, and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya joyfully.

Upon their return, the homes of Ayodhya were beautifully decorated, and diyas were lit throughout the kingdom. This celebration is what we now call Diwali. Diwali commemorates the return of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman after their 14 years of Vanvas. Understanding the profound story behind the festival enhances our appreciation for it. The courage and sacrifices made by each character in this narrative are truly remarkable.

Pehr Sharma (Class VIII E)