All articles tagged with #diwali
Originally Published 2 months ago — by BBC
Delhi woke up to severe air pollution after Diwali, with the AQI reaching 360 due to fireworks, vehicular emissions, and crop stubble burning, despite restrictions and a court order to use green crackers. The pollution levels are dangerously high, posing health risks, and experts warn that relaxed rules may worsen awareness of air quality issues.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by The White House (.gov)
The President extends warm wishes to Americans celebrating Diwali, emphasizing the festival's themes of light overcoming darkness, community, hope, and renewal, and wishing serenity, prosperity, and peace to all celebrating.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by BBC
India's Diwali gold rush is shifting towards investment and lighter jewellery due to record-high gold prices, with more consumers opting for smaller, investment-oriented gold pieces and a growing preference among younger buyers for lighter, everyday jewellery. Despite soaring prices, demand remains strong, driven by cultural traditions and increased investment in gold assets like ETFs and digital gold, while the central bank's gold accumulation also influences prices.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NDTV Movies
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas hosted a Diwali party in Los Angeles, with the couple dressed in traditional Indian attire. Pictures of the event were shared on social media, with some users criticizing Priyanka's makeup while others praised the couple's appearance. Last month, Priyanka attended the Jio MAMI Film Festival in Mumbai, where she wore a halter neck gown that received positive feedback. Priyanka and Nick met at the Met Gala in 2017 and got married in 2018. They welcomed their daughter, Malti Marie, in January 2022 via surrogate.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
Two Indian cities, Mumbai and Kolkata, have joined New Delhi in the list of the world's top 10 most polluted cities after Diwali celebrations, with New Delhi taking the top spot. The air quality index (AQI) in New Delhi reached a hazardous level of 407, while Mumbai and Kolkata recorded AQI figures of 157 and 154 respectively. The smog and pollution in these cities pose health risks, particularly to those with existing respiratory conditions. Despite bans on firecrackers, enforcement remains lax, contributing to the worsening air quality. The local government plans to maintain restrictions on construction activities and school closures to protect people from the pollution.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NDTV
Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared a Diwali photo taken by photographer Madhan Mohan Ram using a Google Pixel phone, continuing a tradition inspired by Apple CEO Tim Cook. Pichai's post received over 2 lakh likes on Instagram, and actress Priyanka Chopra also liked the photo. Pichai also shared the top five searches on Google before Diwali, including questions about the significance of Diwali celebrations and oil baths.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NDTV
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, celebrated Diwali with their family at 10 Downing Street in London, lighting diyas and sharing the festivities on social media. Sunak's daughters also joined the celebration. Sunak also met with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who gifted him a Lord Ganesha statue and a cricket bat signed by Virat Kohli.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NPR
Millions of Indians celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest number of bright earthen oil lamps. Despite concerns about air pollution in India, devotees lit over 2.22 million lamps at the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya. Lasting for 45 minutes, the lighting ceremony symbolized the victory of light over darkness. The festival, marked by socializing, exchanging gifts, and special prayers, took place amidst worries about air quality, with the air pollution index reaching hazardous levels. Authorities implemented measures to reduce pollution, including banning polluting vehicles and construction work, but the use of fireworks during Diwali is expected to worsen air pollution levels after the celebrations.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters India
Two Indian cities, Kolkata and Mumbai, joined New Delhi in the top 10 list of the world's most polluted cities after Diwali celebrations, with New Delhi taking the top spot. The air quality index (AQI) in New Delhi reached a hazardous level of 420, while Kolkata had an AQI of 196 and Mumbai had an AQI of 163. The deteriorating air quality in India is attributed to factors such as vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and agricultural waste burning. Authorities in New Delhi have imposed bans on firecrackers, but enforcement remains a challenge.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by IndiaTimes
Bollywood stars Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif celebrated Diwali with their families, sharing festive pictures on social media. Vicky's parents and brother, as well as Katrina's mother and siblings, were present for the celebrations. Vicky wished everyone a happy Diwali and expressed his excitement for his upcoming film "Sam Bahadur," while Katrina's film "Tiger 3" with Salman Khan released on Diwali and has received positive reviews. The film features Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan in cameo roles and has already earned close to Rs 23 crore in early advance bookings.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Washington Post
India celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with record-breaking displays of earthen oil lamps, despite worsening air pollution. Millions of people defied the ban on firecrackers and lit sparklers and candles, causing a new cloud of smoky haze in cities like New Delhi. The festival, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, is celebrated across faiths and countries. In Uttar Pradesh, over 2.2 million oil lamps were lit, setting a new Guinness World Record.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by PBS NewsHour
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.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters India
Despite a ban on firecrackers during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, residents of New Delhi defied the restrictions, resulting in a toxic haze and smoky skies in the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached "poor" levels, with the concentration of poisonous particulate matter 20 times higher than the WHO's recommended maximum. Doctors anticipate worsening air quality and potential health issues due to the lingering smoke. Some Hindus view the bans as interference with their religious observances, while others emphasize the importance of clean air.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Hindustan Times
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended greetings for Diwali and Bandi Chorr Divas, acknowledging the contributions of Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities to Canada's cultural fabric. Trudeau highlighted the values of selflessness, optimism, gratitude, and compassion associated with Diwali and recognized the story of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji on Bandi Chorr Divas. He attended a Diwali and Bandi Chorr Divas event in Ottawa, where he lit lamps to mark the occasion.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NDTV
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared pictures of the "Deepotsav" celebrations in Ayodhya, calling it "amazing, divine, and unforgettable." Ayodhya set a new world record by lighting over 22 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) across 51 ghats, breaking its own record from previous years. The celebrations hold special significance as the construction of the Ram Mandir is underway, with its inauguration scheduled for January 22, 2024. Earlier in the day, PM Modi also celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Himachal Pradesh, expressing gratitude for their sacrifice and dedication.