“Diwali ceremony can be observed in the temple by illuminating 100’s of candles, in different parts of the temple, and offering special Prasad to the Deity. This ceremony was observed by the inhabitants of Ayodhya, the Kingdom of Lord Ramacandra, while Lord Ramacandra was out of His Kingdom due to His 14 years banishment by the order of His father. His younger step-brother Bharata, took charge of the Kingdom and the day on which Lord Ramacandra took back the charge again from His brother, and seated on the throne, this is observed as Diwali function. This is the original idea of Diwali, and Dipabali. Dipabali means the same thing—Dipa means candles, and bali means numerous. When numerous candles are lighted it is called Dipabali.” – Letter from Srila Prabhupada to Hamsadutta dasa, written from Seattle, 10th October, 1968.

“Krishna happily sighed and said, “One day, as the residents of Vrindavana were preparing for the Dipavali festival, I came to know that Sri Radhika and her sakhis were making pearl ornaments.” – From ‘the pearl pastime’. Dipavali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. From scriptural reference, then, it is evident that this festival was being observed 5,000 years ago, during Krishna’s advent.

Dear devotees and friends, as this was custom in Treta yuga during Lord Ramacandra’s time and also in Dvapara yuga, let us also light special dipa lamps in Kali-yuga, to mark the way for the Lord to come to Radhadesh and to more easily find His way into our hearts.