Happy Diwali! Oct. 21, 2025

Happy Diwali!

Diwali is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrating hope, prosperity and the triumph of good over evil. It commemorates Prince Rama"s victorious return to the kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The festival also honours the goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring wealth and well-being into homes, while some communities worship the goddess Kali. During Diwali, families clean and decorate their homes, exchange sweets and gather for prayers, creating an atmosphere of joy. Central to the celebration are diyas, small oil lamps whose glowing flames symbolise light overcoming darkness and the promise of new beginnings. One of the most striking places to witness this tradition is Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar, India. A sacred site in Sikhism, it is open to people from all faiths and walks of life.

© EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Leaf-peeping Southern style
Oct. 21, 2023International Archaeology Day
Oct. 21, 2024Cypress trees in George L. Smith State Park, Georgia, United States

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Stars in daylight
Oct. 19, 2024International Archaeology Day
Mar. 19, 2026Short-beaked echidna, Adelaide Hills, Australia
Twinkle twinkle, little bugs
This blue succulent is as good as gold here
A dramatic celebration of peace
Aug. 24, 2024Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine, USA
Apr. 5, 2025Gaztelugatxe islet at sunset, Basque Country, Spain
May 27, 2024Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
Zion National Park turns 103
Where is this scenic view?
The most active volcano in the world
Commemorating Indigenous Peoples
King of the ocean
Jan. 18, 2026White Sands National Park, New Mexico, United States
Sep. 7, 2024Annas hummingbird
The world’s greatest oasis?
May 14, 2024Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, USA
Among the most photographed in the Rockies
Oct. 31, 2023Halloween
Apr. 10, 2026Siblings Day
Big rocks, big heads, still counting?
On the open ocean road
Oct. 3, 2023Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Beauty resides in trees
Mar. 28, 2024Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
Jun. 4, 2025Cala Luna beach, Sardinia, Italy
Feb. 26, 2024Grand Canyon National Park, USA
Jul. 10, 2025Independence Day of the Bahamas
May 30, 2024Everglades National Park, Florida