Diwali is connected to the Sanskrit epic Ramayana through the story of the protagonist Rama’s return to Ayodhya. In the epic, Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana spend 14 years in exile. During the exile, Sita is abducted by the demon king Ravana. She is rescued after a battle between Rama and Ravana. After the exile ends, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana return to Ayodhya. In northern India, Diwali commemorates this homecoming, which also marks the beginning of Rama’s righteous rule. The association makes the festival a celebration of return, renewal, and restored order in Ayodhya.
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