Diwali Nov 12, 2023

Diwali is a religious festival of lights, and holds widespread significance in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. It is celebrated worldwide in countries with an Indian diaspora. The name "Diwali" comes from the Sanskrit term "Dipavali," which means "row of lights." The heart of Diwali lies in the lighting of oil lamps, or "diyas," illuminating homes and public spaces, creating a dazzling spectacle that signifies the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. The present-day city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India—believed to be the birthplace of the God of Protection, Lord Rama—holds the Guinness World Record for the largest display of oil lamps. As seen in today"s image, the "diyas" are lit on the banks of the Sarayu River during Diwali.

© SANJAY KANOJIA/AFP/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

A convocation of eagles assembles
Nov 12, 2024Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
Nov 12, 2025Colosseum, Rome, Italy

More Desktop Wallpapers:

May 24, 2026European Day of Parks
Jul 4, 2026Kaysersberg, Alsace, France
Protecting earths biodiversity for everyone
A window to the Pacific
Aug 18, 2025Avalanche Lake Trail at Adirondack High Peaks, New York, United States
Purple mountain majesties
Mar 12, 2026Juvenile sunbittern displaying at nest, Ecuador
9,000-year-old handprints
Feb 12, 2024Volcán Alcedo giant tortoises
Nov 16, 2023World Philosophy Day
Jul 28, 2025World Nature Conservation Day
Mar 23, 2026World Meteorological Day
May 15, 2024The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
An underwater paradise to explore
In the tropics, land greets sea warmly
Jul 9, 2026Rice fields at Sapa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Jan 10, 2025Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada
Feb 27, 2025Polar bear cub, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
A world within a world
The top of Tennessee
The beauty that lies below
Himalaya mountain range
Apr 22, 2026Earth Day
Jul 30, 2026Monument Valley, Navajo Nation, Arizona, United States
History awaits atop the hill
Jun 30, 2024Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
A church atop a hill
Feb 19, 2025European river otter
One rare streak
Oct 22, 2024Palazzo Zuccari, Rome