Festival of Lights Brings Joy, But Firework Tradition Sparks Severe Air Quality Issues Across Northern India
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with joy by over a billion people worldwide, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Festivities see families gather, worship, and illuminate traditional oil lamps, often accompanied by vibrant fireworks displays. However, in India, particularly in Delhi and northern plains regions, the celebrations come with a troubling side effect: severe air pollution. Each year, firework smoke combines with already hazardous winter air, intensified by crop burning, vehicle emissions, and construction dust, creating a toxic mix. In response, several Indian states, including Delhi, have recently introduced partial or full bans on fireworks or have permitted only “green” crackers, designed to emit fewer pollutants.