Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Captures Breathtaking View of India Illuminated During Diwali From Space

The spectacular footage reveals the Indian subcontinent illuminated with countless lights as viewed from orbit.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla commemorated Diwali by sharing a stunning throwback video capturing India's radiance from space. The mesmerizing visual, posted as a festive greeting, displays the subcontinent aglow with innumerable lights. Recorded during his 18-day orbital mission earlier this year, the footage shows India brilliantly illuminated from southwest to northeast, with metropolitan areas like Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad twinkling like celestial formations. Shukla eloquently described the view as witnessing a "living galaxy unfurl beneath."

As the video progresses, the camera shifts northward, revealing subtle glimmers near the horizon, including the gentle luminescence of the national capital. The recording also captures lightning storms flashing across the Bay of Bengal and central India—vibrant bursts Shukla refers to as "purple flares."

"Flying over India from space — from the southwest to the northeast — is like watching a living galaxy unfurl beneath you. You don't just see it; you feel it in every fibre of your being. The peninsula glows like a jewel. To the left, Pune sparkles; below, Bengaluru and Hyderabad shimmer like constellations drawn by human hands. And far on the horizon — a faint yet familiar gleam — New Delhi makes its presence known," he wrote in the caption accompanying the video.

Watch the video here:

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A post shared by Shubhanshu Shukla (@gagan.shux)

As the spacecraft continues northward, the scenery transforms dramatically. The intense brightness of urban centers transitions into the dark, formidable silhouettes of the Himalayas, followed by an orbital sunrise painting the atmosphere in delicate blue hues.

"Up there, watching this grand spectacle unfold, you can't help but smile. This isn't just Diwali on Earth — it's Diwali of Earth. The festival of lights, written across an entire nation, glowing proudly on a cosmic stage," he concluded.

The video has gone viral, garnering appreciation across social media platforms for its distinctive perspective and emotional impact. Numerous users commented on the beauty of India as observed from space, describing it as a "perfect tribute to the festival of lights."

Another user remarked, "Happy Diwali astro shux. Thank you so much for sharing the most stunning videos from space." A third commented, "Shubh Deepavali to you & your family, Sir. Thank you for sharing this stunning jewel. Jai Hind."