India shines as millions celebrate the festival of lights

Millions of Indians celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, one of the most significant and widely observed holidays in Hinduism.

While lamps and fireworks illuminate homes and streets during the festival, they also worsen air pollution, a problem that is particularly pronounced in northern India, where the winter months already bring poor air quality.

This year the Supreme Court has allow the sale and use of “green crackers” in the capital Delhi to help curb air pollution by ending the ban on crackers that has been in place since 2020.

Green crackers claim to release 20-30% less pollution than traditional firecrackers, but critics question their actual environmental effectiveness.

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 much more than fireworks. Food plays a central role in celebrations.

Families prepare a variety of traditional Indian sweets that are shared with friends and neighbors. Festive meals often include rich curries, savory snacks and specialty 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 colorful rangoli designs outside their doors to invite luck and positivity. On Diwali itself, families worship Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth.

The appeal of Diwali transcends religion, attracting people from different communities and religions to join in the celebrations.

In India’s cities and towns, markets are bustling with shoppers buying sweets, gifts, decorations and crackers, giving a significant boost to the economy every year.