New Delhi:Amid a thick haze of smog blanketing New Delhi and other parts of India, the air quality index has reached a concerning level of 370, categorized as very poor. Despite these challenging environmental conditions, preparations are underway for Diwali, the festival of lights, which is also recognized as the traditional New Year celebration across the country.
According to Thai News Agency, the onset of cooler weather and lower wind speeds this time of year exacerbates air pollution from various sources, including road exhaust, construction smoke, crop residue from burning fields, and firecrackers set off during festivals. This has led Indian authorities to implement stringent measures such as setting up vehicle checkpoints, banning older vehicles from city entry, and deploying water trucks to mitigate dust particles.
Diwali, a festival symbolizing the victory of good over evil and life over death, unites people across India. The festival's name derives from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning "row of lights," and spans five days during the Hindu lunar month of Kattika, usually falling in October or November. It begins on a moonless night, marking the return of light with households lighting lamps and lanterns, accompanied by grand fireworks displays.
Despite the smog and rising raw material prices due to external conflicts, the atmosphere at fireworks factories and shops remains active. The legal restrictions limit the sale and usage of eco-friendly fireworks to specific times and areas designated by Indian courts. Nonetheless, the fireworks industry continues to thrive, driven by the livelihoods of thousands of workers, ensuring that the celebration of light persists amidst the thick smoke.