Record-breaking Diwali celebrations in India overshadowed by air quality concerns

Millions of Indians celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, with a record-breaking number of earthen oil lamps. The lighting of over 2.22 million lamps at the Saryu River in Ayodhya set a new Guinness World Record. However, concerns about air pollution in India have risen, with the country experiencing hazardous levels of pollution. Despite efforts to reduce pollution, such as banning polluting vehicles and construction work, the use of fireworks during Diwali is expected to worsen air quality. The celebrations also coincide with the inauguration of a long-awaited temple at the site of a demolished mosque in Ayodhya.