The Ramayana in Brief: The Story Behind Dussehra and Diwali
A concise, readable overview of the epic that shapes two of India's biggest festivals.
In this article
The Ramayana, traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki, is one of India's two great epics, alongside the Mahabharata. Its seven books tell the story of Rama, a prince who becomes an ideal of duty, and it underlies the festivals of Dussehra and Diwali. There are many retellings across languages and regions; this summary follows the broad outline.
Ayodhya and the exile
King Dasharatha of Ayodhya has four sons, of whom Rama, the eldest, is the favourite and heir. On the eve of his coronation, Queen Kaikeyi, one of the king's wives, claims two boons the king had once promised her: Rama must be exiled for fourteen years, and her son Bharata must be crowned. Honouring his father's word, Rama leaves for the forest, accompanied by his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana. Bharata refuses the throne and rules in Rama's name, placing Rama's sandals on it.
Abduction of Sita
During the exile, Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka, plots revenge after his sister Shurpanakha is insulted. Using a golden deer to lure Rama away, he abducts Sita. Rama and Lakshmana set out to find her.
Hanuman and the search
In the forest kingdom of Kishkindha, Rama allies with the vanara king Sugriva. Sugriva's minister Hanuman, devoted and powerful, leaps across the sea, finds Sita in Lanka's Ashoka grove and brings back a message. He also sets the city ablaze with his burning tail.
War and return
Rama's army builds a bridge across the sea and lays siege to Lanka. After a great battle, Rama defeats Ravana. Many traditions locate this on the tenth day, Vijayadashami. Sita and Rama are reunited, and the exile ends. They return to Ayodhya, where the people light lamps to welcome them. This is the origin of Diwali in northern India.
Themes that last
- Dharma: duty, even at personal cost.
- Devotion: Hanuman's selfless service.
- Integrity: Bharata's refusal to profit from his brother's loss.
- Complexity: Ravana is a scholar and a devotee of Shiva, and the epic does not present his fall as simple.
The Ramayana exists in hundreds of versions, from the Tamil Kamban Ramayanam to the Thai Ramakien. Details vary, and each community tells it in its own way.
Seeing the story performed
The tale is performed during Navratri in many places as Ramlila, described in Ramlila: the living theatre of the Ramayana.
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