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:

Nov 17, 2024Red deer stag in Glen Affric, Scotland
Jan 14, 2025Makar Sankranti
Jun 14, 2024Peggys Cove Lighthouse, Canada
Feb 5, 2024Monarch butterflies
Jun 16, 2025World Sea Turtle Day
Apr 20, 2024Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Nov 28, 2024Murudeshwara Temple, Murdeshwar, Karnataka
Dec 22, 2023Red Fort, Delhi
Where are these spectacular peaks?
May 13, 2026Arch and Milky Way, Alabama Hills, California, United States
Mar 30, 2024Brown-throated three-toed sloth
The picturesque Mughal architecture
Sep 29, 2024West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut, USA
Misty mountain hop
Jul 12, 2025Thomsons gazelles, Maasai Mara, Kenya
Aug 1, 2026Big Island, Hawaii, United States
Jun 28, 2026Saguaro cacti, Windgate Pass, Arizona, United States
Dec 14, 2025Royal Bengal tiger
Jan 20, 2024Macaroni penguins
Jun 24, 2025Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah, United States
A real fun guy…er, squirrel
Sep 28, 2023Container ship near a port in Thailand
Where are these magnificent cliffs?
May 24, 2025Jotunheimen National Park in Norway
Dec 6, 2024Finnish Independence Day
Jul 15, 2025Muchalinda Sarovar, Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Dec 17, 2025Eurasian red squirrel in Northumberland, England
Apr 6, 2024Himeji Castle, Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan
The Big Apple with a foggy topping
Sept 10, 2026Aerial view of Olvera, Andalusia, Spain