Diwali and the Problem of Air Pollution in Delhi
Why Delhi battles with Air pollution after Delhi
Bharatiya Abroad | Edited by Aakash Kumar | Updated: October 22, 2025 10:37 pm UTC
New Delhi, Oct 22
Diwali is India's most famous and beloved festival. It is called the festival of lights because, on this day, people decorate their homes with earthen lamps (diyas), candles, and colourful lights. The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. People meet their relatives, exchange sweets, and celebrate the joy. However, in the last few years, a major concern has become associated with Diwali—air pollution, especially in Delhi.
Delhi, the capital of the country, is already grappling with the problem of pollution. The air quality here remains poor throughout the year, but the situation worsens during the winter season. At this time, pollution increases due to the burning of crop residue (stubble burning) in fields, vehicular smoke, and construction work. When people burst a large number of firecrackers during Diwali, smoke and toxic gases are released into the air. This causes Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach a very dangerous level.
This toxic air seriously affects people's health. Many people suffer from problems like coughing, throat irritation, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing. For those who have asthma or heart disease, the situation is even more dangerous. Children and the elderly are the most affected.
The government and the courts have taken several steps to curb this problem. Traditional firecrackers have been banned, and the use of "green crackers," which produce less smoke and noise, has been promoted. Despite this, many people do not follow the rules and burst illegal firecrackers.
Slowly, awareness is growing among people. Many families are now celebrating Diwali without firecrackers. They share the joy of the festival by lighting lamps at home, planting trees, or helping the needy. People are also being encouraged through schools and the media to celebrate a clean and eco-friendly Diwali.
Diwali is a festival of joy and hope. If all of us celebrate it responsibly together, Delhi can once again sparkle with light, not smoke. A clean and healthy Diwali will be the true joyous Diwali.
(Aakash Kumar is a Delhi based freelance journalist. Views expressed are personal)