Youth
Janmasthami 2000 | 2001
Diwali 2000
Vegatarianism
Ekadasi
Cow protection

Diwali

We all gathered in the temple hall at 6.30 in the evening to celebrate Diwali. There were ghee lamps everywhere. The Lordships looked so beautiful in red outfits. Nabhinandan das gave a class on the Ramayan.

There was a play on Diwali and the story is as follows. Lord Sri Rama appeared in Treta Yuga. He appeared on this planet with his consort Sitadevi and brothers Bharat, Laxman and Satrughna. Lord Rama went to the forest with Sitadevi and His brother Laxman for 14 years to bless his devotees and kill the demons.

Whilst in the forest Sitadevi was kidnapped by a lusty king called Ravan. He was the king of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was a very opulent place. Lord Rama was helped by his devotees who were monkeys and bears and birds to get his consort back. There was a huge war between the demon army and the monkey army and the demon king Ravan was killed.

Lord Rama and Sitadevi with brother Laxman came back to their kingdom on a celestial plane, which was made of gold and jewels. The day They returned to their kingdom is now celebrated as Diwali.

The day Lord Rama went to the forest the citizens of His kingdom were bereft with grief that darkness had entered their lives. When he returned back the citizens were very happy and they lit candles everywhere. This day is celebrated as Diwali, Festival of Light. On this day the patio is painted with Rangolis (freehand mosaics), and presents and sweet dishes are exchanged between families and friends.