Across India, large crowds are observing Diwali—the Hindu festival of lights—by brightening streets, offices, temples, and homes using colorful illuminations and traditional oil lamps to represent light conquering darkness, as reported by bbc.com.
Delhi Faces Hazardous Pollution During Diwali
- During the darkest night of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, when no moon appears in the sky, the celebration takes place.
- Air pollution in the Indian capital Delhi has reached hazardous levels, making it the most polluted Diwali festival in a decade.
- India’s Supreme Court permitted the limited use of certified “green” firecrackers designed to produce 20 to 30 percent fewer emissions than conventional fireworks.
The Timing and Traditions of the Festival of Lights
As the Hindu lunar month of Kartik reaches its darkest night and the moon remains hidden from view, the celebration occurs. Although Diwali traditions vary across India’s regions and communities, the celebration is widely marked by prayers, family gatherings, the exchange of sweets, and the lighting of firecrackers, bbc.com reported.
The celebrations actually began on November 6 with Dhanteras, when buying gold, silver, or new utensils is considered auspicious and believed to bring good fortune, according to yahoo.com. The second day, known as Chhoti Diwali, is marked by the lighting of oil lamps and, in some households, setting off firecrackers.
Diwali Celebrates the Return of Lord Ram
Despite the debate over fireworks, Diwali is about much more than firecrackers. Commemorating Lord Ram’s journey back to Ayodhya following his defeat of Ravan—the primary villain of the Hindu epic Ramayana—the holiday serves as an emblem of good triumphing over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance, according to bbc.com.
In the days leading up to the festival, families clean and decorate their homes with flowers, colorful lights, and traditional oil lamps known as diyas. The celebrations bring families together for prayers, elaborate feasts, and the exchange of gifts and traditional Indian sweets.
At household entryways, people craft vibrant designs known as rangoli, while lively markets fill with holiday shoppers browsing beneath glowing festive displays. Families celebrate the third day as the primary occasion, gathering for festive meals and fireworks after offering evening prayers to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The fourth day is celebrated differently across India, featuring family gatherings and New Year festivities in some communities. The fifth and final day, known as Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, bbc.com reported.
Alongside other faiths, Sikhs and Jains also observe the holiday through their own religious traditions. Commemorating the early 17th-century release of their sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, from Gwalior Fort, followers of Sikhism observe Bandi Chhor Divas, also known as Prisoner Release Day, as noted by bbc.com.
For adherents of Jainism, the holiday commemorates Lord Mahavira—the 24th and final Tirthankara—achieving moksha, which represents liberation from the continuous cycle of rebirth.
Hazardous Smog and the Regulatory Battle Over Fireworks
As bbc.com noted, the festivities coincide with worsening air quality driven by seasonal weather patterns and agricultural stubble burning, conditions that are further aggravated by holiday firecracker use.
Air pollution in the Indian capital Delhi has reached such hazardous levels that it is the most polluted Diwali festival in a decade. New measures to improve air quality do not seem to have been successful, bbc.com noted. India’s financial capital, Mumbai, has also experienced high pollution levels in recent weeks.
To help curb pollution, India’s Supreme Court issued an order on Monday allowing the production, distribution, and burning of approved “green” firecrackers across Delhi and nearby regions for a restricted timeframe, according to bbc.com. These firecrackers are designed to produce 20 to 30 percent fewer emissions than conventional fireworks.
| City | Pollution Context | Regulatory Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Hazardous levels, most polluted Diwali in a decade | Supreme Court permitted limited use of “green” firecrackers |
| Mumbai | High pollution levels experienced in recent weeks | Subject to regional restrictions and festive controls |
However, critics have questioned how effective these alternative items are at reducing pollution. Concerns remain that conventional firecrackers could still make their way into the capital from neighboring states, bbc.com reported.
