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
12 Nov 2025Colosseum, Rome, Italy

More Desktop Wallpapers:

A 50-year balancing act
Blue hues and ceramic scenes of Porto
A smooth landing, feet first
Sep 9, 2023Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand
The envy of postcards and snowglobes
The other continent Down Under
A gorge-ous place to drop in
Icon of the Highlands
3 Sep 2024Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington, USA
A rock giant
15 Aug 2024Hang Sơn Đoòng, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam
27 Oct 2025Thick-billed raven, Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
22 Sep 2024Autumn equinox
Ever seen garlic bloom?
International Mountain Day
2 Nov 2025Maple and bamboo forests in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
2 Nov 2023Death Valley National Park, California, USA
26 Apr 2024Tree of Life, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA
2 Oct 2023World Architecture Day
17 Sep 2025A young bull moose, Denali National Park, Alaska, United States
Aug 20, 2023International Lighthouse Weekend
Go with the flow
Heavenly hot springs
1 Mar 2024Saint Davids Day
25 Apr 2024World Penguin Day
When art imitates life
21 Oct 2024Cypress trees in George L Smith State Park, Georgia, United States
Autumn on Windermere
21 May 2025International Tea Day
Staying in the loop