Diwali 12 Nov 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

Eagles assemble!
12 Nov 2024Arches National Park, Utah, United States

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Piecing together a better tomorrow
Birthplace of the Renaissance
15 Aug 2025Spotted eagle rays
Sequoias of the sea
Trunks packed for the road
Patchwork of peace
Twinkle twinkle, little bugs
Eagles assemble!
Lighting the way
The other great barrier reef
17 Dec 2024Traditional red fishermens cabins, Reine, Norway
21 Feb 2025Champaka Sarasi, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India
A future built on the past
5 Oct 2025World Teachers Day
A shallow sea
Sep 9, 2023Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand
19 Nov 2023Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia
2 Apr 2024Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark
Two hungry baby beavers
West of Windermere
A sky full of stars
History awaits atop the hill
19 Mar 2025A black heron canopy hunting in Botswana
17 Jul 2024Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany
23 Dec 2023Festivus
11 Jan 2024Eurasian lynx
Colors of spring
Rugged rocks and ancient history
Regal Radiance
6 Sep 2024Glenariff Forest Park, Northern Ireland, UK