Why Diwali Must Also Be Celebrated To Remember Sita's Resilience

According to Hindu mythology, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the day Rama, Sita and Lakshmana return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. However, beyond this, it is an occasion to remember the courage and resilience of Sita amid numerous harrowing experiences. Shifting the narrative from Sita's sacrifices and loyalty, let's explore how her story remains a symbol of strength and hope even today.

Sita: Not Just A Side Character

Growing up, many of us were only aware of a 'comfortable' telling of the Ramayana, tracing the heroics of Rama, the faithful brotherhood of Lakshmana and Hanuman, and the exemplary devotion of Sita. However, Sita was so much more than a doting wife and passive figure in the shadow of her husband.

Sita was a warrior in her own right, exhibiting intelligence, compassion, and unbroken spirit. She was confident her partnership with Rama was founded on mutual support and shared strength. From the moment she chose to accompany him into exile, she displayed remarkable bravery in the face of uncertainty.

Sita's Story

Sita is described as the daughter of the Earth (Bhumi). Her tale begins in the kingdom of Mithila, located in present-day Bihar. She was adopted and raised by King Janaka, the king of Mithila, and his wife Sunaina, according to Valmiki's Ramayana. Her innate wisdom and grace marked her early life.

Sita's marriage to Rama, following a swayamvara, was a significant event that highlighted her autonomy and strength. The turning point in her life came when Rama was exiled and she chose to leave behind the comforts of royalty and accompany him in the time of hardship, asserting her role as an equal partner. 

During the vanvas, Sita's kindness was mistaken for naivety when she was abducted by Ravana disguised as a religious vagrant. However, her resilience and courage remained unwavering throughout her captivity in Ashok Vatika of Lanka. Her steadfastness highlighted her role as a pillar of strength in the great epic.

Return To Ayodhya, Second Exile

After Rama rescued Sita from Lanka, and they returned to Ayodhya with Lakshmana, the kingdom was radiant with celebrations. Lamps were lit outside every home and cheers hailed Rama for his valour in defeating Ravana. This came to be known as Diwali, the festival of lights and triumph of light over darkness.

However, Sita's trials did not end with her return to Ayodhya. Faced with doubts about her 'purity' and faithfulness after captivating, she was forced to undergo agni pareeksha (trial by fire). Sita bravely took on the challenge, clear that it was a very powerful stance and not an act of weakness. She came out of the flames unscathed.

Sita's power was tested once again as she was exiled from Ayodhya all alone for months. She took refuge in the hermitage of the sage Valmiki where she delivered and single-handedly raised her twin sons named Luv and Kusha. When Luv and Kusha got united with Rama, Sita refused to return to Ayodhya. 

Sita asserted that her second test of purity was not only difficult but also humiliating. According to some legends, she returned to Bhumi, from where she was born, which dramatically split open and took her in its arms. She denoted her self-dependence and dignity, leaving behind a world that failed to recognise her virtue.

Sita's story serves as a reminder of seeking self-respect and true honour from within. It is a powerful message that emphasises the importance of inner strength and integrity, which are values that women from any era must embrace. Her authenticity serves as a guideline for all generations in the quest for equality and respect. 

How Diwali Is Celebrated In Ayodhya 

Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh came alive with twinkling lights as the city celebrated a Deepotsav on the eve of Diwali 2024. According to the news agency Asian News International, over 28 lakh lamps were placed on the banks of the Sarayu River, presenting a spectacular glow when viewed from above.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Lakhs of diyas illuminated along the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya as part of the grand #Deepotsav celebration here.#Diwali2024 pic.twitter.com/7yd1QxDVZY

— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024

The organisers had planned to light up at least 28 lakh diyas; however, they managed to light exactly 25,12,585 diyas to create a new world record. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath started the Deepotsav with an aarti and pulled the chariot on which some artistes performed a Ramayana skit.

There were also several tableaux depicting stories of Ramayana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the participants for their unified effort in creating the mesmerising presentation. This is the first Diwali in Ayodhya since the much-anticipated Ram Mandir was consecrated in January. 

अलौकिक अयोध्या!

मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम भगवान श्री राम के अपने भव्य मंदिर में विराजने के बाद यह पहली दीपावली है। अयोध्या में श्री राम लला के मंदिर की यह अनुपम छटा हर किसी को अभिभूत करने वाली है। 500 वर्षों के पश्चात यह पावन घड़ी रामभक्तों के अनगिनत बलिदान और अनवरत त्याग-तपस्या के बाद… https://t.co/e0BwDRUnV6

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 30, 2024

Diwali In Sita's Native Place Janakpur In Nepal

Janakpur, Nepal, is described as the birthplace of Sita, according to some mythological texts. The city boasts the Janaki Temple, dedicated to Sita, which comes to life with colourful lights and lakhs of oil lamps every Diwali. In January 2024, when the Ram Mandir was consecrated in Ayodhya, the entire city of Janakpur was decorated similarly to pay tribute to Goddess Sita and Lord Ram.

The entire Mithila region, where Janakpur is located prepped for these celebrations for months. Residents contributed with donations and necessary paraphernalia for the occasion. "We have planned a series of events on that day, which will start in the morning and last until the end of the day. We will make Rangoli's out of vermillion powder and Lord Ram's picture from flowers," Bharat Kumar Sah, a resident of Janakpur, told ANI.