The International Day of Light is celebrated on May 16 every year. It was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2017. The date was chosen to commemorate the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by Theodore Maiman.
The International Day of Light is a global celebration of the importance of light and its applications in science, culture, and education. It is also a day to promote the use of light-based technologies to achieve sustainable development goals.
The theme for the 2023 International Day of Light is "Light for Education." This theme highlights the importance of light in education and how it can be used to improve learning outcomes for students around the world.

There are many ways to celebrate the International Day of Light. You can attend a light-themed event, learn about the science of light, or simply enjoy the beauty of light in your own environment.
Here are some ideas for celebrating the International Day of Light:
- Attend a light festival or light show.
- Visit a science museum or planetarium.
- Take a walk in nature and appreciate the beauty of sunlight.
- Learn about the science of light by reading a book or watching a documentary.
- Share your knowledge of light with others by teaching a class or giving a presentation.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the International Day of Light is a chance to learn about the importance of light and its many applications.