US, Nov. 2 -- In Northern India, the religious significance of Diwali is deeply rooted in the legend of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Laxman after 14 years of exile.

In DELHI, UTTAR PRADESH, and other surrounding Indian states, houses are decorated with candles, lights, diyas, bandhanwars, and rangolis, with Laxmi Puja being performed at night.

Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh has become the face of North India's Diwali narrative. In 2024, the city lit 2.51 million diyas, earning a Guinness World Record. This grand display honors Lord Rama's return after 14 years of exile, making Ayodhya's Deepotsav both a spiritual and civic event.

Sikhs in PUNJAB celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas ("Day of Liberation") to c...