Millions of people in India rejoiced in Diwali festivities, with residents in Uttar Pradesh achieving a Guinness World Record for the mass lighting of oil lamps, despite apprehensions about air pollution.
In tribute to the Hindu festival, homes and streets across the nation glittered with dazzling multi-colored lights. Along the Saryu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, more than 2.22 million oil lamps were spectacularly lit in celebration. The location holds special significance for Hindus as the birthplace of their revered deity, Lord Ram.
The lamps kindled at dusk on Saturday, and illuminated the riverbanks for 45 minutes, accompanied by Hindu hymns sung by attendees. Following the count of the lamps, the state’s top elected official, Yogi Adityanath, received a certificate commemorating the record.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a national holiday in India celebrated with social gatherings and the exchange of gifts. People commonly light earthen oil lamps, candles, and fireworks. In the evening, a special prayer is offered to honor the Hindu goddess, Lakshmi, believed to bring luck and prosperity.
This year’s celebration unfolded amid concerns about air pollution in India, with a “hazardous” air quality index reading of 400-500—more than ten times the global safety threshold. Kolkata and New Delhi were recently identified as the two cities with the worst air quality worldwide.
On Saturday, unexpected rain and strong winds brought the pollution level down to 220, according to India’s government-run Central Pollution Control Board. To combat air pollution, the capital is implementing vehicle restrictions, allowing private vehicles with odd-numbered plates on roads on odd dates and those with even-numbered plates on alternate days.
