RAVANA was the wicked king of the island of Sri Lanka, who kidnapped the wife of Rama. He had been in exile for 14 years because of a disagreement as to whether he or his brother should be the next king.

Rama killed the demon and rescued his wife and his return with his wife Sita and subsequent coronation of king is celebrated at Diwali. When the couple first returned it was dark and they couldn’t see. Their people put little lamps outside their homes so that the new king and queen should find their way, beginning the festival of lights tradition.