Oil holds a special significance in a Hindu household, especially during Deepavali. In Northern India, the Festival of Lights is a celebration to signify Lord Rama’s return to Ayodha from a 12-year exile. The tale tells that people lined the city’s streets with oil lamps to welcome the Lord back into their fold, and the ritual of lighting oil lamps on Deepavali is followed to this day.
The Southern Indians, however, celebrate Deepavali to commemorate the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Narakasura.
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