Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after how many years of exile?

Diwali is celebrated as the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile. According to the Ramayana, he left Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana after being exiled due to a promise made by King Dasharatha to Kaikeyi. During this exile, Rama fought several battles, the most famous being against Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, to rescue Sita. After defeating Ravana, he returned to Ayodhya with his companions. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting lamps across the kingdom, symbolizing joy, unity, and the victory of righteousness over evil. This marks the essence of Diwali.