Millions across India have begun celebrating Diwali, the five-day Hindu festival of lights, with homes and temples illuminated across the country. The celebrations arrive this year alongside growing air quality concerns in northern India, particularly in Delhi, where the air quality index (AQI) reached 391 on Friday, placing it in the 'very poor' category. The Supreme Court has permitted the use of certified 'green' firecrackers in an effort to limit pollution, though critics question their effectiveness.
The festivities started on 6 November with Dhanteras, traditionally an auspicious day for purchasing gold, silver or utensils. The second day, Chhoti Diwali, is marked by lighting oil lamps, while the main celebration on the third day involves evening prayers to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, followed by festive meals and fireworks.
Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, celebrating the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after his victory over the antagonist Ravan, as recounted in the Hindu epic Ramayana. In the lead-up to the festival, families clean their homes and decorate them with flowers, colourful lights and traditional clay lamps known as diyas.
India's financial capital, Mumbai, has also recorded high pollution levels in recent weeks, with an AQI of 322 on 24 October. While Mumbai's air quality has since improved to a 'moderate' 104, there are concerns that Diwali fireworks could trigger another spike.
In an effort to limit pollution, the Supreme Court permitted the manufacture, sale and use of certified 'green' firecrackers in Delhi and surrounding areas for a limited period. These firecrackers are designed to produce 20-30 per cent fewer emissions than conventional fireworks. However, critics have questioned how effective they are in reducing pollution and have raised concerns that conventional firecrackers could still make their way into the capital from neighbouring states.
Beyond the fireworks debate, Diwali is celebrated by Sikhs and Jains alongside other important observances. Sikhs mark Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of their sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, from imprisonment. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha, or liberation, by Lord Mahavira. The festival is also celebrated internationally by Indian communities around the world.
Diwali is considered an auspicious time for new purchases, and India's stock exchanges will hold a special one-hour trading session on 8 November known as Muhurat trading, for investors who consider buying and selling shares on the day auspicious.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Diwali is one of the world's most widely observed festivals, and its intersection with severe urban air pollution poses a significant public health challenge in India's major cities.
- The effectiveness of the Supreme Court's 'green' firecracker ruling will be a test case for balancing cultural traditions with environmental and health regulations.
- Post-festival pollution spikes have direct consequences for millions, including increased hospital visits and reduced visibility, impacting daily life and the economy.
Background
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, spans five days and celebrates the triumph of good over evil, particularly the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya. Traditionally observed with lamps, sweets, family gatherings and fireworks, the festival has in recent years become entangled with India's struggle against air pollution, particularly in the northern Indo-Gangetic plain where seasonal weather patterns trap pollutants.
Key Perspectives
- Supreme Court of India: Permitted certified 'green' firecrackers in Delhi for a limited period to allow celebrations while reducing emissions.
- Critics: Question the real-world effectiveness of 'green' firecrackers and warn that conventional fireworks from neighbouring states may circumvent the restrictions.
- Celebrants: Millions across India and the diaspora are partaking in prayers, family gatherings and traditional purchases, reflecting the festival's deep cultural significance.
What to Watch
- Air quality index readings in Delhi and Mumbai in the days immediately following the main Diwali night on 8 November.
- Whether enforcement of the 'green' firecracker rules is able to prevent the use of conventional fireworks in restricted areas.
- The scale of the Muhurat trading session, as an indicator of festive economic sentiment.