Indians celebrate festival with lights and fireworks
Millions in India are celebrating the Diwali festival of lights, though festivities are dampened by severe air pollution concerns. Authorities have permitted the use of 'green' firecrackers to mitigate environmental impact.
Why it matters
The conflict between traditional cultural practices and public health crises like air pollution is a major ongoing issue in urban India.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Rachita Prasad BBC News, Mumbai AFP via Getty Images Traditional Diwali oil lamps or diyas Millions across India are celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, illuminating homes, temples, offices and streets with oil lamps and colourful lights to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness.
The festival falls on the darkest night of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, when the moon is not visible in the sky.
Although Diwali traditions vary across India's regions and communities, the festival is widely marked by prayers, family gatherings, the exchange of sweets and the lighting of firecrackers.
But the celebrations come amid growing concerns over air pollution , particularly in northern India.
Seasonal weather conditions and the burning of crop residue contribute to deteriorating air quality, while firecrackers set off during Diwali can make the situation worse.
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