Rama returning triumphantly after rescuing Sita with his loyal friend Hanuman

In the Ramayana, the origins of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, are explained. Sita was kidnapped by the evil demon king Ravana. Rama, with the help of the monkey god, Hanuman, defeated Ravana and rescued Sita. They returned home to their village where the villagers had lit lamps to guide them home. So today, Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.