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:

The envy of postcards and snowglobes
Underwater underground
An ugly duckling no more
Oct 8, 2024World Octopus Day
Oct 17, 2023Persepolis, Iran
Jan 7, 2026Old Rock Day
Jun 7, 2025Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jul 23, 2025Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Jun 18, 2025Asian swallowtail butterfly on a red spider lily
Jun 10, 2025Everglades National Park, Florida, United States
Jul 16, 2024A hammock in Central Florida, USA
Apr 20, 2025Easter
Sep 28, 2023Container ship near a port in Thailand
Theres no denying the power of Denali
Jun 30, 2025Asteroid Day
Nov 6, 2024Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
Apr 12, 2025International Day of Human Space Flight
Heaven meets Earth!
A ghost on the mountain
Jan 27, 2024Northern hawk owl
Oct 9, 2025Space Week isnt over yet!
Jan 13, 2024Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii, USA
A mirror reflecting natures beauty
Jun 20, 2024Summer solstice
May 24, 2024Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Huesca, Spain
Apr 23, 2025Shakespeare Day
Sep 12, 2024World Dolphin Day
Oct 18, 2024Autumn in Central Park, New York, United States
Dec 18, 2025Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
Jun 19, 2025Masai giraffe mother grooming her calf in the Serengeti, Tanzania