Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla delighted people with a spectacular view of Earth from space during the Diwali celebrations. Sharing a special video on the occasion of Dhanteras, Shukla highlighted the beauty of lightning flashing over the planet and compared the natural display to fireworks. His festive message offered people a rare perspective on Earth from space and added a special touch to the celebrations.
A Beautiful View of Earth From Space
Shubhanshu Shukla shared a video showing a remarkable view of Earth from space, with the planet’s surface visible against the darkness surrounding it. The footage offered a glimpse of the extraordinary scenes astronauts can witness while travelling beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
According to the message accompanying the video, Shukla noticed lightning flashing over Earth amid the Diwali celebrations and described the sight as nature’s own fireworks.
His comparison created a beautiful connection between the natural world and India’s festival of lights. While people on Earth celebrate Diwali with diyas, decorative lights and fireworks, the astronaut highlighted another spectacular display taking place naturally above the planet.
The video also reminded viewers of how different Earth can look when observed from space. Its vast landscapes, atmospheric conditions and illuminated regions create a unique visual experience that is rarely seen by people on the ground.
Shubhanshu Shukla Shares Dhanteras Wishes
The astronaut shared the video on the special occasion of Dhanteras and extended festive greetings to people.
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival in many parts of India. People traditionally celebrate the occasion by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. Buying gold, silver, utensils and other household items is also considered auspicious.
Diwali, meanwhile, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and by Indian communities around the world. The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Shukla’s message brought a different dimension to the celebrations by connecting the festival with his experience of viewing Earth from space. His video attracted attention because it presented a familiar festival through an unusual and fascinating perspective.
Why Lightning Is Special to Observe From Space
Lightning is one of the most powerful natural phenomena on Earth. From the ground, people usually see it as sudden flashes of light during thunderstorms. However, astronauts observing the planet from orbit can witness weather activity from a much wider perspective.
From space, large cloud formations, storms and lightning activity can create striking views against Earth’s atmosphere. These observations also help scientists understand weather systems and atmospheric processes.
The comparison of lightning with fireworks made Shukla’s festive message particularly interesting. It highlighted how nature itself can create spectacular displays without any human intervention.
Space-based observations are also important for scientific research, as they provide valuable information about Earth’s climate, atmosphere and changing weather patterns.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Space Journey
Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut who made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS).
He travelled to the space station as part of the Axiom-4 mission, which launched on June 25, 2025. The mission was commanded by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, while Shukla served as its pilot.
During his stay aboard the ISS, Shukla participated in scientific experiments, research activities and educational outreach programmes. His mission was an important milestone for India’s growing human spaceflight ambitions.
His journey also strengthened public interest in India’s space programme and inspired students and young people to explore careers in science, technology and space research.
India is preparing for more ambitious human spaceflight activities through its Gaganyaan programme, which aims to develop the country’s independent human spaceflight capability.
A Memorable Diwali Message From Orbit
Shukla’s video offered more than just a beautiful view of Earth. It connected India’s festive celebrations with the extraordinary experiences of astronauts living and working in space.
His description of lightning as nature’s own fireworks gave people a fresh way to appreciate the beauty of the planet. It also served as a reminder that Earth, when viewed from space, offers countless remarkable sights.
For Indians following his journey, the festive greeting was another memorable moment from the astronaut who has played an important role in bringing India’s space achievements closer to the public.
