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:

Get ready for the blood moon
Don’t look down!
Apr 11, 2026Papagayo Beach, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
This island is more than a mile high
Sep 3, 2023Skyscrapers in Manhattan
Apr 23, 2025Shakespeare Day
Jun 23, 2024Dhaka, Bangladesh
Revered ruins
Dec 11, 2025International Mountain Day
Apr 28, 2025Impala in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Nov 11, 2024Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Were halfway there
Apr 28, 2024Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, USA
Sep 29, 2025Rainbow houses, Houten, Netherlands
Sep 13, 2025Point Reyes National Seashore, California, United States
What the heck is a distaff?
Nov 7, 2023Kirkilai lakes, Biržai Regional Park, Lithuania
Where is this hidden waterfall?
Jun 10, 2024The city of Osaka at night, Japan
Black sands in a tropical paradise
Behold the architectural marvel
Standing on glass 900+ feet in the air
Jan 25, 2026Burns Night in Scotland
Pride and Joy
Jun 12, 2025Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park, Texas, United States
See-through cephalopod
Im ready for my close-up, Mr. DeSquirrel
Sep 28, 2023Container ship near a port in Thailand
Feb 23, 2024Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Nature’s blue wonder