In brief
The festival of Diwali, known as the festival of lights, is being joyfully celebrated by millions across India. Amid the jubilant atmosphere filled with lamps and fireworks, concerns regarding air pollution due to firecrackers have emerged. This year, the Supreme Court has allowed the use of 'green crackers' in Delhi to reduce emissions, yet critics remain skeptical about their effectiveness. The festival symbolizes cultural unity as people from various backgrounds come together to partake in vibrant celebrations that include traditional sweets and festive dinners, significantly boosting the economy.
Millions of Indians are celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, one of Hinduism's most significant and widely observed festivals.
While lamps and firecrackers light up homes and streets during the festival, they also worsen air pollution - a problem especially pronounced in northern India, where winter months already bring poor air quality.
This year, the Supreme Court has permitted the sale and use of green crackers in the capital, Delhi, to help curb air pollution, ending a ban on crackers that has been in place since 2020.
Green crackers claim to emit 20–30% less pollution than traditional firecrackers, but critics doubt their actual effectiveness in protecting the environment.
In recent years, several states have restricted or banned firecrackers to combat rising air pollution, but the rules are often flouted, further worsening air quality in the days after Diwali.
But Diwali is about much more than fireworks. Food plays a central role in the celebrations. Families prepare a variety of traditional Indian sweets which are shared with friends and neighbours. Festive meals often include rich curries, savoury snacks, and special breads.
In the days leading up to the festival, people clean and decorate their homes, shop for new clothes, and buy traditional sweets to exchange as gifts with friends and family. Many also create traditional and colourful rangoli designs outside their doors to invite luck and positivity. On Diwali itself, families worship Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth.
Diwali's appeal goes beyond religion, drawing people from different communities and faiths to join in the celebrations. Across India's cities and towns, markets bustle with shoppers buying sweets, gifts, decorations, and firecrackers, giving a significant boost to the economy each year.
