Diwali

There was buzz in the town of Ayodhya.... After a long wait of fourteen years their beloved prince, Ram was returning. Oh! The excitement! The joy! The bliss that spread over the town like a warm blanket in this pink cold of Autumn. And then came the news- He is coming on Amavsya! The new moon night! These were the days without street lights. How would the prince reach his palace? Howwould he find his way? And that's when one of the bright brains of the town said, " Let's all light diyas in front of our homes. This way the whole street would be lighted. And in turn the whole town!" Oh wow! The buzz was now transformed into an energy of unprecedented proportions.
And then arrived Ram. With his consort Sita and younger brother Laxman. As they came near Ayodhya, all three were surprised! "how come is the while town glowing like a star?" squeaked Sita. Ram with his abundant patience nudged his surprised wife and brother towards the town. And here they came to the beautiful sight of bejewelled Ayodhya. With diyas. With flower strings. And the smiles of this blessed town. As Ram, Sita and Laxman started towards their palace the atmosphere turned their joy into bliss and contentment!
Yes this is the story of Deepavali, told and retold to me every year. It is only now that I realise the meaning behind it. Today as I light diyas on this dark night, I guide Ram, his righteousness, Sita,her moral uprightness, and Laxman with his loyalty to my home and hearth. To me and my mind. To light up my character.
May this Deepavali light mine and yours too! :-)