A long, long time ago in the kingdom of Ayodhya, there lived a kind and brave prince named Rama. His stepmother wanted her son, Bharat, to become the heir to the kingdom. So, she asked the King Dashratha to send Rama away to the forest for 14 years!

King Dashratha was hesitant but he had promised his wife three boons. So, he unwillingly obliged. Even though it was unfair, Rama agreed and went into the forest with his wife Sita and brother Laxman.

While they were living peacefully in the woods, a terrible demon king named Ravana kidnapped Sita. He took her to his faraway island kingdom, Lanka. Rama was heartbroken but he didn’t give up! With the help of Hanuman and his monkey army, Rama fought a fierce battle and finally defeated Ravana, rescuing Sita.

After the big battle, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana began their journey back to Ayodhya. The people of the kingdom were so excited that they cleaned their homes, made colorful rangoli, and lit rows and rows of diyas (small lamps) to guide their way in the darkness.

This sparkling welcome was the very first Deepavali, which means “row of lights” in Sanskrit!

Everyone cheered, sang songs, and danced in the streets. Rama was finally home, and peace had returned. The entire city shimmered with happiness.

Since that night, families all over India and the world started celebrating Diwali every year to remember the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

On Diwali, we light candles and diyas, eat yummy sweets (my favourite is kaju barfi!), wear new clothes, make colourful rangolis and spend time with family. People light fireworks and everything sparkles with joy.

The celebration history of Diwali reminds us to be brave like Rama, kind like Sita, and devoted like Lakshmana. That’s the beautiful backstory of Diwali—a festival of love, light, and togetherness!