Diwali Nov 12, 2023

Diwali

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:

Dec 26, 2023Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh, India
Dec 6, 2023Palolem beach, Goa, India
A mirror reflecting natures beauty
Mar 15, 2026Pacific Rim Whale Festival
Nov 2, 2024American bison
A real fun guy…er, squirrel
May 17, 2024Endangered Species Day
Feb 2, 2024Alpine Marmot
Jul 10, 2025Guru Purnima
When life imitates art
Nov 13, 2025Quiver trees, Keetmanshoop, Namibia
Sep 25, 2023Sea Otter Awareness Week
Feb 12, 2025Ashoka pillar, Kutagarasala Vihara, Vaishali, Bihar
Jun 1, 2024Pride Month
Can you name these pretty flowers?
Mar 31, 2025Ostuni, Apulia, Italy
Apr 2, 2024Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark
Nov 28, 2024Murudeshwara Temple, Murdeshwar, Karnataka
Feb 3, 2024Grand Canal with Santa Maria della Salute Basilica, Venice, Italy
Jun 23, 2025Elbe river in Dresden, Saxony, Germany
Nov 7, 2024Vancouver Coastal Sea wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest, Canada
Feb 4, 2025Golden Bridge, Bà Nà Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam
Connecting the dots
Sep 3, 2025Trullo buildings in Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
Jan 19, 2024Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Jan 9, 2025Sossusvlei sand dunes, Namib desert, Namibia
May 6, 2025An ultralight aircraft flying over the sands of Namibia
Jan 3, 2024Virupaksha temple, Hampi, Karnataka
The animal kingdoms great migration
A life-sized snow globe