The grand festival season has already begun!  Today we celebrate Diwali. No matter where we live in this vast country and what faith we belong to, if there is one festival that connects us together, it is none other than Diwali. While most other festivals are observed in place-to-place in the country, Diwali is celebrated across the breadth and length of India. Of course, being a diverse country India irrespective of community, region, culture has its own way of celebrating this festival of lights. Traditions and celebrations are numerous. And so are the stories! Mythology and tradition go hand in hand and we often find different versions of mythological legends behind Diwali woven into the folklore. Have a watch on the most famous legends:

Lord Rama: Lord Rama spent 14 years in exile to honor the promise made by Dasharatha (Rama's father). His consort Sita and younger brother Lakshmana accompanied him as he traveled to several places. However, during their stay in the woods, Ravana, the demon-king of Lanka, who was enchanted by Sita's beauty, abducted her. He took her to his kingdom and held her captive. After learning about Sita's abduction, and tracing her whereabouts, Rama and Lakshmana, along with the army of monkeys, fought a furious battle against Ravana. The battle ended with Ravana's death at the hands of Shri Rama.
Meanwhile, the people of Ayodhya, including Kaikeyi, who regretted her action, awaited the return of Rama. His absence had created an emptiness that none could fill. Upon his arrival, people lit lamps not only to welcome him but express their sincere devotion. Thus, his arrival marked the return of light to Ayodhya that had plunged into darkness.

Lord Dhanavantri, Lord Kubera & Goddess Lakshmi:  According to one of the legends, Lord Dhanavantri, Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Kubera appeared during Samudra Manthan. The devas & asuras participated in a battle. Lord Dhanavantri appeared with the Amrita Kalasha while Lakshmi & Kubera emerged with wealth on Trayodashi Tithi in the month of Kartika. Hence, Diwali is also connected with good health & wealth.

Lord Yama: People worship Yama, the God of death on Trayodhashi Tithi to seek his blessings for the safeguard of their family from an early death. Therefore, to honor and satisfy him, devotees light an earthen lamp and place it outside the main door. This lamp is called Yama Deepam.

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