At last, the fourteen years were over. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya, along with Hanuman and their new friends.

All this time, Rama's brother Bharata had refused to sit on the throne. He believed it belonged to Rama. He had placed Rama's sandals on it and ruled only as a caretaker until Rama came back.

When the people heard Rama was returning, they were overjoyed. On that dark, moonless night, they lit rows and rows of small clay lamps, called diyas, along every street and rooftop to welcome him home.

In many parts of India, this is the story behind Diwali, the festival of lights. Each year, families light diyas to celebrate the return of goodness and the victory of light over darkness.

Rama ruled with such fairness and kindness that, for generations, people have used "Ram Rajya," Rama's rule, to mean an ideal, just world.

So the next time you light a diya, remember the whole story: keeping your word, help from unexpected friends, courage, humility, and the light that always finds its way home.