Deepavali: Satyabhama's victory

Told in English, Telugu.

Long, long ago, there lived a king called Narakasura. He was very strong. But he was also very proud.

Narakasura took things that were not his. He took shining earrings from Aditi, the mother of the gods. He locked many princesses inside his big palace, far from their homes. The princesses were sad. The people were sad. Everything felt dark, like a night with no moon.

So the people went to Lord Krishna. "Please help us," they said.

Krishna smiled. "I will go," he said.

Krishna's wife, Satyabhama, stood up tall. "I will come with you," she said. "I am brave too."

Then came Garuda, the great eagle, with wings as wide as the sky. Krishna and Satyabhama climbed on his back. Whoosh! Up, up they flew, over rivers and hills and forests.

And as they flew, Satyabhama sang softly,

Little lamp, little lamp, shine so bright, Chase away the dark tonight.

Can you sing it with me? Little lamp, little lamp, shine so bright, chase away the dark tonight.

At last they reached Narakasura's palace. Narakasura came out, stamping his feet. "Who dares to come here?" he shouted.

"Let the princesses go home," said Krishna. "Give back what is not yours."

But Narakasura would not listen. He began to fight.

Krishna fought bravely. But after a while, Krishna grew dizzy and sat down to rest.

Now, what do you think Satyabhama did? Did she cry? Did she run away?

No! Satyabhama picked up Krishna's bow. She held it steady. Her eyes were calm and clear. She thought of the sad princesses, and of all the people waiting at home.

Little lamp, little lamp, shine so bright, Chase away the dark tonight.

Satyabhama let her arrow fly. Zing! It flew straight and true, and Narakasura fell to the ground. He could not fight any more.

Krishna opened his eyes and smiled the biggest smile. "Well done, Satyabhama," he said. "You are truly brave."

Now Narakasura lay quietly, and his heart grew soft at last. "I was too proud," he said. "I hurt many people. I am sorry. Please, let everyone remember this day with lights and happiness, so that the darkness goes away."

And so it was. The palace doors were opened. The princesses ran out, laughing, into the sunshine. Aditi got her shining earrings back. And all over the land, people lit little clay lamps, one after another, until every home was glowing gold.

That is why, every year, on Naraka Chaturdashi, we wake up early, while it is still dark, and have our special oil bath. And on Deepavali night, Amma and Ammamma light rows and rows of little lamps on the doorstep and along the walls. We wear new clothes, we eat sweet ariselu and laddus, and we light sparklers that go fizz and crackle.

Every little lamp is saying thank you to brave Satyabhama, and reminding us that good is stronger than proud and unkind.

So tonight, close your eyes, and think of all those tiny lamps glowing in the dark. And sing with me one last time, very softly,

Little lamp, little lamp, shine so bright, Chase away the dark tonight.

Good night, my little lamp.