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===The Story of Rama and Sita===

===The Story of Rama and Sita===

One of the most common stories surrounding the origins of Diwali is related in the ''Ramayana'' (i.e. the Story of Rama) and concerns the return of Lord Rama and his wife Sita to Ayodhya after their fourteen year exile. It tells the story of how Lord Rama, aided by the monkey-warrior, Hanuman, vanquished the evil King Ravana of Lanka, and rescued his imprisoned wife.

One of the most common stories surrounding the origins of Diwali is related in the ''Ramayana'' (i.e. the Story of Rama) and concerns the return of Lord Rama and his wife Sita to Ayodhya after their fourteen-year exile. It tells the story of how Lord Rama, aided by the monkey-warrior, Hanuman, vanquished the evil King Ravana of Lanka, and rescued his imprisoned wife.

After this victory, the entire city of Ayodhya was decorated with garlands to celebrate Lord Rama’s return. The surroundings were cleaned and fragrant. Throughout Ayodhya, devotees fasted, anxiously waiting for the arrival of Lord Rama. His arrival, together with Sita was greeted with joy and great celebrations, with the people lighting rows of clay lamps to welcome him. This signified the triumph of good over evil and the coming of God-consciousness into the life of the devotee. The day Lord Rama destroyed Ravana was called ''Dussehra'', and the day on which he returned to Ayodhya was called ''Divali''.

After this victory, the entire city of Ayodhya was decorated with garlands to celebrate Lord Rama’s return. The surroundings were cleaned and fragrant. Throughout Ayodhya, devotees fasted, anxiously waiting for the arrival of Lord Rama. His arrival, together with Sita was greeted with joy and great celebrations, with the people lighting rows of clay lamps to welcome him. This signified the triumph of good over evil and the coming of God-consciousness into the life of the devotee. The day Lord Rama destroyed Ravana was called ''Dussehra'', and the day on which he returned to Ayodhya was called ''Divali''.

===The Goddess Lakshmi===

===The Goddess Lakshmi===

Lakshmi is one of the most important figures of Hindu mythology associated with Diwali. The legends state that Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk after it was churned by the ''devas'' (gods) and the ''daanavas'' (demons). This is seen a a happy event, as Lakshmi is considered to be the embodiment of loveliness, grace and prosperity. Diwali also represents the day Lord Vishnu (the Preserver) married Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth and prosperity). Thus, this marriage of Lord Vishnu to Goddess Lakshmi denotes the connection between preservation and wealth.

Lakshmi is one of the most important figures of Hindu mythology associated with Diwali. The legends state that Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk after it was churned by the ''devas'' (gods) and the ''daanavas'' (demons). This is seen a happy event, as Lakshmi is considered to be the embodiment of loveliness, grace and prosperity. Diwali also represents the day Lord Vishnu (the Preserver) married Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth and prosperity). Thus, this marriage of Lord Vishnu to Goddess Lakshmi denotes the connection between preservation and wealth.

==The Five Days of Diwali==

==The Five Days of Diwali==

Lord Krishna then persuaded the people to worship the mountain Govardhan, because it was the mountain's fertile land that caused their crops to grow. This angered Indra, who unleashed thunder and torrential rain on the villagers as they slept. Krishna saved the villagers by lifting the top of the mountain with his finger, allowing the villagers to shelter underneath until the storm passed.  

Lord Krishna then persuaded the people to worship the mountain Govardhan, because it was the mountain's fertile land that caused their crops to grow. This angered Indra, who unleashed thunder and torrential rain on the villagers as they slept. Krishna saved the villagers by lifting the top of the mountain with his finger, allowing the villagers to shelter underneath until the storm passed.  

The day is also observed as ''Annakoot'', meaning "Mountain of Food". In temples, the deities are bathed with milk, dressed in new attire, adorned with with dazzling ornaments. After prayers and traditional worship, sweets are offered to the deities and then devotees can partake of the ''Prasad''.

The day is also observed as ''Annakoot'', meaning "Mountain of Food". In temples, the deities are bathed with milk, dressed in new attire, adorned with dazzling ornaments. After prayers and traditional worship, sweets are offered to the deities and then devotees can partake of the ''Prasad''.

===Day 5 - ''Bhaiya Dooj''===

===Day 5 - ''Bhaiya Dooj''===