Diwali celebrations begin across India amid air pollution concerns

Centre · 1Millions of people across India are marking Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, by lighting oil lamps and colourful lights in homes, temples, offices and streets to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness. 1 Centre · 1BBC News reports that the five-day festival began on 6 November with Dhanteras, when buying gold, silver or new utensils is considered auspicious. The main celebration is on the third day, when families pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, before festive meals and fireworks. 1 Centre · 1France 24 reports that celebrations began on Sunday (8 November), with people in India and the global diaspora taking part in one of the most important festivals in the Hindu tradition. 2

Mixed · 2Al Jazeera, in a photo gallery, says more than one billion people of different faiths take part in the celebrations in India, and that this year Diwali is marked on 8 November. France 24's headline also puts the number at over one billion. 3 2 Centre · 1In Ayodhya, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, France 24 says the festivities included performances based on the Ramayana, laser and light shows, live music, fireworks and drone displays. 2 Centre · 1BBC News says the festival celebrates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravan. It is also observed by Sikhs, who mark Bandi Chhor Divas, and by Jains, for whom it marks Lord Mahavira's attainment of moksha. 1

Left · 1Al Jazeera explains that the name comes from "Deepavali", meaning "a row of lights", that families place clay oil lamps outside their homes, and that Diwali is also observed by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, with regional origin stories sharing the theme of good over evil. It lists feasting, new clothes, rangoli designs and the exchange of sweets and gifts among the customs. 3 Centre · 1The celebrations come amid concern about air pollution, particularly in northern India, where seasonal weather and crop-residue burning worsen air quality and firecrackers can add to it. Delhi's air quality index reached 391 on Friday morning, in the 'very poor' category, and there are fears it could rise after the celebrations. 1 Centre · 1Mumbai's AQI reached 322 on 24 October and had improved to a 'moderate' 104 on Friday, though there are concerns that fireworks could cause another spike. 1

Centre · 1India's Supreme Court on Monday permitted the manufacture, sale and use of certified 'green' firecrackers in Delhi and surrounding areas for a limited period. These are designed to produce 20-30% less emissions than conventional fireworks, but critics question how effective they are and warn that conventional firecrackers could still enter the capital from neighbouring states. 1 Centre · 1India's stock exchanges are holding their special one-hour Muhurat trading session on 8 November, which some investors consider auspicious. 1 Left · 1The Guardian, in a picture gallery published on 9 November, describes the 'spiritual triumph of light over darkness' that people mark by lighting traditional lamps, decorating homes and gathering with family and friends. 4

Centre · 1Gulf News reports that Indian cricketer Sanju Samson marked Diwali by serving food, apparently biryani, to residents of an old-age home, in a video shared by the Sanju Samson Foundation that was posted a day before Diwali and has passed four million views. 5 Centre · 1Gulf News adds that the visit came shortly after Samson returned from India's T20I series against New Zealand, which New Zealand won 3-2 after India took the first three matches. 5 Centre · 1Gulf News also reports that former India captain Sachin Tendulkar posted a video on X of his dog Bouncer refusing to leave the car after a 'Diwali drive', wished followers a happy Diwali, and later shared pictures of Laxmi Puja at home with his wife. 6