Streets of India light up for Diwali 2022 festival while sparking concern over air pollution

Millions across the Indian subcontinent came together to light up the streets with countless candles and lamps for Diwali.

Diwali stands as a festival to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and celebrate the day the Hindu Goddess Durga destroyed a demon known as Mahisha. The festival is also commonly associated with the Goddess Lakshmi who symbolises wealth, prosperity, and fertility.

Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs all across India marked the festival by wearing decorative clothing and coming together to enjoy large feasts while exchanging gifts and sweets. It comes after festival celebrations for the past couple of years have either been heavily restricted or outright cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Read more: Diwali 2022: When is it and who celebrates it?

However, despite the joyous occasion, many residents have expressed their concern about the rising levels of air pollution in the country. While governments in several states have imposed bans on firecrackers, they could still be seen across many celebrations, creating thick clouds of smoke in the air.

Delhi's skyline is seen enveloped in smog and dust (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Delhi, the most polluted capital city in the world, saw the use of fireworks during Diwali celebrations reduce the quality of air even further. This is despite the fact that the Delhi government imposed a firecracker ban which could lead to up to six months in prison and a fine of 200 rupees (£2.15).

Earlier this year, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reported that a total of 132 Indian cities have pollution levels below national standards. Air quality in the country worsens during winter due to farmers burning crops that carry smoke into the cities.

In 2019, it was estimated that 1.57 million people died as a result of air pollution in India.

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