The five-day observance features traditional prayers, oil lamps, sweets, and a dedicated one-hour Muhurat trading session on domestic stock exchanges. Amid the festivities, air quality has plummeted, with the index in Delhi entering the very poor category at 391 due to seasonal factors and agricultural burning. In response, officials are permitting certified green firecrackers designed to emit fewer pollutants, though critics warn illicit conventional fireworks remain a threat.
Key points
Severe air pollution across major metropolitan areas threatens to overshadow the cultural…: Severe air pollution across major metropolitan areas threatens to overshadow the cultural and religious celebrations taking place nationwide.
The festival encompasses diverse traditions across India, serving as a significant observ…: The festival encompasses diverse traditions across India, serving as a significant observance for Hindu, Sikh, and Jain populations alike.
Judicial efforts to curb environmental damage through green firecracker mandates face enf…: Judicial efforts to curb environmental damage through green firecracker mandates face enforcement challenges from cross-border smuggling risks.
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Millions across India are set to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, illuminating homes, temples, offices and streets with oil lamps and colourful lights to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness.
The festival falls on the darkest night of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, when the moon is not visible in the sky.
Although Diwali traditions vary across India's regions and communities, the festival is widely marked by prayers, family gatherings, the exchange of sweets and the lighting of firecrackers.
But the celebrations come amid growing concerns over air pollution, particularly in northern India.
Seasonal weather conditions and the burning of crop residue contribute to deteriorating air quality, while firecrackers set off during Diwali can make the situation worse.
In the capital, Delhi, the air quality index (AQI) reached 391 on Friday morning, placing it in the "very poor" category ahead of the festival. There are fears that pollution levels could rise further after the celebrations.
India's financial capital, Mumbai, has also experienced high pollution levels in recent weeks, with its AQI reaching 322 on…
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The Commission for Air Quality Management implemented regional curbs across the capital and neighboring districts ahead of Diwali after pollution reached hazardous thresholds. The intervention targets dust generation and vehicle emissions to stop air quality from dropping into the severe plus category. These emergency curbs aim to protect vulnerable demographics, including young children, seniors, and residents facing persistent respiratory ailments.
Air quality in New Delhi has deteriorated to hazardous levels just days ahead of Diwali. The toxic haze has blanketed India’s capital, causing residents to report eye irritation and breathing difficulties. The worsening pollution comes as the city prepares for the Hindu festival of lights, an occasion where celebrations often involve fireworks.