Does Diwali really mark Rama’s return from exile?

Oct 23, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor

I refer to the article ‘Diwali Shubh! Happy Diwali’ published in Kaieteur News on Sunday October 20. If I am not wrong, this said article has been repeating itself year after year, without any change in contents or substance.

However, I am particularly concerned with the misleading statement, to wit, that Diwali marks the return of Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile. This is a fundamental error made by very many people. Rama’s return was on the 7th day in the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Vaishakha (April/May). For this year, it was April 30, and for 2023, it was April 12.

Diwali, on the other hand, is celebrated on the evening of the New Moon/No Moon in the month of Kaartika (October/November). Yes, the people lit diyas in their homes and streets to welcome Rama. But this was an altogether different occasion. It culminated in the coronation of Rama.

Yours truly,
Pt. Ramdial Balbadar

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