Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla celebrated Diwali this year with a breathtaking return from space — a video that shows India glowing like a galaxy of lights as seen from orbit.
The clip, shared on social media as a ceremonial salute, was filmed during its 18-day orbital mission earlier this year. It captures the illuminated subcontinent from southwest to northeast, with cities like Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad sparkling like constellations against the dark backdrop of space.
“Flying over India from space – from southwest to northeast – is like watching a living galaxy unfold below you. You don’t just see it, you feel it in every fiber of your being,” Shukla wrote in his post. He described Pune as “sparkling”, Bengaluru and Hyderabad as “shimmering like constellations”, and New Delhi appearing as a “faint but familiar glimmer” on the horizon.
The video also shows flashes in the Bay of Bengal and central India, which Shukla likened to “purple flares”, while a camera pan to the north reveals the faint outline of the Himalayas. As the spacecraft continues its orbit, the orbital sunrise colors the atmosphere in soft blue hues that contrast with the dazzling night lights below.
“This is not just Diwali on Earth – it is Diwali of Earth. A festival of lights, written across the nation, shining proudly on the cosmic stage,” he concluded.
The post has since gone viral, garnering admiration across platforms for its poetic description and extraordinary perspective. Many users called the video a “perfect tribute to the festival of lights”, while others thanked the astronaut for sharing what one commenter described as an “amazing” view of India from space.
User wrote: “Loved this and your explanation is too good as usual.”
“Thank you so much for sharing the funniest videos from space,” wrote another on Instagram.
