DIWALI – THE INDIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS (The story of Ram & Sita) [feel free to download and forward]

A good man, called Rama, was married to a beautiful princess, called Sita.

They had been banished to live in the forest with his brother, Lakshman, by his stepmother, as she wanted her son to be King.

Ravana, the Demon king with ten heads, heard of Sita’s beauty and goodness and planned to kidnap her. By magic, he conjured up a golden fawn. She asked Rama to capture it

He found Sita imprisoned on the island of Lanka. Hanuman, Rama and Lakshman prepared themselves for battle.

This was one of the greatest battles ever seen. The fighting lasted for ten whole days.

It looked as though Ravana was going to win, until Rama borrowed a special bow and arrow from the gods and shot him in his belly button. Rama shot Ravana and the battle was won.

The day Ravana was killed is known as Dusshera (the defeat of “ten”)

Rama and his family decided to return home But it was a moonless, dark night. So the people of Ayodhya had an idea

They lit the roads with little lamps to show them the way home. It was a huge celebration that day. This is Diwali

Everyone was happy and Rama and Sita ruled well. Now every year people remember this story at Divali by lighting diva lights inside their homes and fireworks outside.

How we celebrate it today

Before Diwali we send cards to our friends and family

We give presents as well

People like to wear new clothes

Colored mithai (sweets) are everywhere

People prepare delicious foods in their homes

After decorating, people pray to God Rama, as well as Lord Ganesh for luck and Goddess Lakshmi for wealthWe

The shops and markets are colorfully lit too

Temples of all religions are brightly lit on this day

People prepare delicious foods in their homes

After eating, people light firecrackers

The spinning wheel is a big favorite

The spinning wheel is a big favorite Children love the sparklers

Happy Diwali Thanks to everyone who’s photos or slides may appear on this slideshow. Apologies if we inadvertently added anything copyrighted. This is not used for any commercial purposes but to educate children about culture. If you want us to remove anything, please email anupendra@yahoo.com THE END