Diwali is a time to pause — to take a breath between the noise and the light, and to remember the stories that have shaped us. Stories of courage, grace, and faith that continue to speak across centuries.
This year, experience them differently.
Here’s a curated list of audiobooks that bring the spirit of Diwali alive — stories of Lakshmi’s abundance, Rama’s dharma, Hanuman’s devotion, and Sita’s strength. Each one a reminder that light doesn’t just come from lamps — it comes from listening, reflecting, and rediscovering where we come from.
Treasures of Lakshmi: The Goddess Who Gives
Edited by Namita Gokhale and Malashri Lal
The goddess of fortune and grace takes center stage in the concluding volume of Gokhale and Lal’s celebrated goddess trilogy. Treasures of Lakshmi explores the sacred feminine through myth, devotion, and philosophy — from Lakshmi’s 108 names to her thousand blessings. A luminous listen for a festival that celebrates prosperity in all its forms.
Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana
By Devdutt Pattanaik
Through Sita’s eyes, Devdutt Pattanaik reimagines one of India’s oldest epics — tracing her journey from Janak’s daughter to the heart of the Ramayana. With poetic insight, Pattanaik reflects on love, exile, and divinity, turning Sita into more than a symbol — a woman of quiet strength and agency. A moving listen for those who seek new meaning in familiar myths.
The Book of Hanuman
By Parvez Dewan
Hanuman — scholar, warrior, and eternal devotee — comes alive in Parvez Dewan’s engrossing narrative. Divided into two parts, the audiobook first traces Hanuman’s legendary journey alongside Ram, then delves into his divine attributes, iconography, and worship. A powerful story of faith and humility, perfect for when you need courage and calm this festive season.
The Book of Ram
By Devdutt Pattanaik
Who is Ram — man, king, or god? Pattanaik’s intimate portrait explores all three. From his vow to uphold dharma to his contradictions and doubts, The Book of Ram presents a deeply human look at one of the most worshipped figures in Hindu mythology. A profound listen that captures Ram’s serenity amid chaos — the perfect companion for moments of reflection this Diwali.
The Mahabharata (10 Volumes)
Translated by Bibek Debroy
For those who want to dive deep, Bibek Debroy’s complete translation of The Mahabharata — now available in ten volumes — is an unmatched listening experience. Epic in scale and rich in insight, it offers every conflict, question, and revelation that defines this monumental text. Start with Volume 1 and let the voices of the Pandavas and Kauravas fill your evenings.
Jaya: A Retelling of the Mahabharata
By Devdutt Pattanaik
In Jaya, Pattanaik brings together Sanskrit verses, folk versions, and regional retellings of the Mahabharata into one seamless narrative. With over 250 illustrations and 108 concise chapters, this audiobook captures the moral complexity and enduring human truths of India’s greatest epic — from Draupadi’s fire to Krishna’s calm.
The Book of Lakshmi
By R. Mahalakshmi
Lakshmi — goddess of wealth, fertility, and beauty — is explored here not as a symbol, but as a living idea that has evolved through centuries of faith and art. R. Mahalakshmi’s account draws from scriptures, rituals, and iconography to reveal how Lakshmi came to embody both abundance and balance. An insightful listen for those seeking wisdom beyond worship.
The Essentials of Hinduism
By Trilochan Sastry
Curious about the roots of Hindu philosophy? Trilochan Sastry offers a clear, contemporary introduction to the vast universe of Hindu texts — from the Vedas and Upanishads to the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Accessible and insightful, this audiobook helps decode the ideas and principles that have guided Indian thought for millennia.
Rama
By Priya Arora
A lucid, heartfelt retelling of Valmiki’s Ramayana, Rama blends storytelling with moral insight. Priya Arora explores not just the story of the prince of Ayodhya, but the world around him — Vedic life, his descendants, and the poet Valmiki’s own journey. It’s a modern yet faithful narration that captures the essence of dharma and leadership — timeless Diwali lessons in every sense.
Sita’s Ascent
By Vayu Naidu
Vayu Naidu’s powerful reimagining gives Sita her own voice. Through multiple perspectives — Sita, Lakshmana, Soorpanakka, and Rama — the novel explores exile, love, and redemption. It’s a deeply moving listen about resilience and transformation, perfect for those who seek new meanings in old myths.
