Diwali Oil Lamps on Delhi Steps

Rows of small clay diya lamps rest on weathered stone steps leading toward the Yamuna River. Late afternoon sun falls through the dense canopy of nearby trees, casting shifting patches of golden light across the terracotta surfaces. Each flame flickers gently, glowing orange against the deepening shadows of the stone. Autumn leaves in shades of rust and yellow scatter the ground, mixing with the warm hue of the earthenware. Above, dramatic grey clouds gather in the sky, against the bright, clear pockets of blue. The water in the background reflects the soft ambient glow. One wick burns steadily on the lowest step, its flame mirroring in a small puddle of water at the stone's edge.