Record-breaking Diwali celebrations amidst growing air pollution concerns

Millions of Indians celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, by setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest number of bright earthen oil lamps. Over 2.22 million lamps were lit at the Saryu River in Ayodhya, the birthplace of the god Ram. Concerns about air pollution in India were heightened as the country recorded hazardous levels on the air quality index. Despite efforts to reduce pollution, the use of fireworks during Diwali is expected to worsen air quality. The festival also coincided with preparations for the inauguration of a temple at the site of a demolished mosque in Ayodhya.