Diwali or Dipavali is The Festival of Lights celebrated to mark Rama's return to Ayodhya after killing Ravana
Hindus will celebrate Diwali or Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, on the 21st of October. It is by far the most important festival on the Hindu calendar. The festivities for Diwali begin with Dhanteras on the 19th of October and continue till Bhai Dooj on the 23rd of October. Most commercial activities are put on hold and it is a time for families to get together. The Diwali week is just like the Christmas to the New Year period in the western calendar.
Like Dussera, Diwali is also linked to the Ramayana. On Dussera Rama slew Ravana. On Diwali he returned to his capital city of Ayodhya after completing fourteen years of exile. The entire city was lit with oil lamps in celebration of his return. This is the reason why Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights. Hindus world over replicate the scene by lighting their homes with decorated oil lamps. In India public places are lit up during this period. Celebrations also include bursting of firecrackers. Originally meant to enhance the lighting, these crackers today have become a source of sound and smoke pollution in many urban areas.
Rama invaded Lanka with the intention to wipe out an evil force. Having done that he did not annexe Lanka. Nor did he in any way interfere with its governance. Ravana’s pious brother, Vibhishana, had already taken refuge with Rama. In fact Rama had crowned him as king of Lanka in exile even before the war. After Ravana’s death a formal coronation of Vibhishana took place. Vibhishana married Ravana’s widow, Mandodari, as was the custom in those days.
