DIWALI MESSAGE 2020 FROM U.S CONGRESSWOMAN MS.TULSI GABBARD

DIWALI MESSAGE 2020 FROM U.S CONGRESSWOMAN MS.TULSI GABBARD.
(SATURDAY - 14TH NOVEMBER 2020)
THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS WHY DIWALI IS CELEBRATED AND ONE AMONGST THEM IS RELATED TO LORD RAMACHANDRA.
Diwali is certainly one of the biggest, brightest and most important festivals of India. While Diwali is popularly known as the "Festival Of Lights". The celebration of Diwali as the "Victory of good over evil" refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance. While the story behind Diwali and the manner of celebration of the festival differ greatly depending on the region, the essence of the festival remains the same - the celebration of life, its enjoyment, and goodness.
The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit term "Deepavali", which translates to "Rows of lamps". Based on the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali falls between October and November on an Amavasya or a moonless night. Celebrated as the victory of good over evil, the festival is associated with Lord Rama's return to His kingdom Ayodhya, after 14 years in exile. The Demon king Ravana of Lanka had abducted Lord Ram's consort Sita only to invite his own death as a result. Lord Rama, along with His brother Laxman and an army of monkeys defeated and killed Ravana and returned to His kingdom with Sita. The people of Ayodhya lit up clay lamps known as diyas to welcome Him on His return from exile.
King Dasaratha ruled the rich and prosperous city of Ayodhya. He had three wives Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. Kaikeyi was his favorite. She saved his life in a war at a very crucial time. Dashrath granted her two boons for saving his life.
Dashrath had four sons. Ramachandra, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. Rama, the eldest, was everybody's favorite. He was married to the beautiful and devoted Sita. Just before Rama's coronation, Kaikeyi reminded Dashrath of her two boons. She requested him to crown Bharata as the king and to banish Rama to the forest for fourteen years. Though King Dashratha begrudged but finally had to succumb to Kaikeyi's request as he was bound by his boons granted to her. Her wishes were granted.
The old king Dashratha later died of a broken heart. After a few years in the forest, Sita was lured and abducted by the demon king Ravana. Lord Rama, with the help of a monkey general, Hanuman rescued Sita and defeated Ravana. After fourteen years in exile Lord Rama and Sita and returned to Ayodhya.
It is in Their honor that "Diwali" is celebrated. "Diwali" signifies the victory of good over evil. So Diwali is celebrated in commemoration of Lord Ramachandra's return from exile and His victory over the evil king Ravana of Langka.
Today Diwali is celebrated as the Festival of lights or lamps. The ghee or oil lamp signifies light or knowledge. So where there is light there is illumination or knowledge and no darkness or ignorance. In this month of Kartik or Damodara, it is very auspicious to light up the ghee lamps and celebrate the pastimes of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna or His avatars.