Celebrating Diwali in India: A New World Record Amidst Air Quality Concerns
Diwali, the annual Hindu festival of light, is a time of joy and celebration for millions of Indians. This year, the festivities were taken to a whole new level with a Guinness World Record for the most earthen oil lamps lit simultaneously. Despite the looming concerns of air pollution, the spirit of Diwali shone brightly across the nation.
The Dazzling Display of Diwali Lights
As the sun set on the eve of Diwali, homes and streets across India were adorned with multi-colored lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The highlight, however, was the massive lighting event at the Saryu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Here, devotees gathered to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, a core theme of Diwali, in the birthplace of the revered deity, Lord Ram.
In a stunning display of devotion and coordination, over 2.22 million lamps were lit and kept burning for 45 minutes. The air was filled with the sound of Hindu religious hymns, as the banks of the river were transformed into a sea of light, surpassing last year’s record of over 1.5 million lamps.
Setting a New Guinness World Record
The successful attempt did not go unnoticed, as representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records were present to count the lamps and award a record certificate to Yogi Adityanath, the state’s top elected official. This achievement was made possible thanks to the efforts of over 24,000 volunteers, including many college students, who prepared for the event under the Guidance of Pratibha Goyal, vice-chancellor of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University.
Diwali Traditions and Celebrations
Diwali is more than just a public holiday; it’s a time for socializing and exchanging gifts with loved ones. Families light earthen oil lamps or candles, and the night sky is lit up with fireworks. A special prayer is also dedicated to the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring fortune and prosperity to those who worship her.
To accommodate the massive movement of people eager to join Family celebrations, extra trains were run over the weekend, ensuring everyone could reach their hometowns for the joyous occasion.
Air Quality Concerns During Diwali
While Diwali brings light and happiness, it also brings concerns about air quality in India. In the week leading up to the festival, the air quality index reached “hazardous” levels, more than 10 times the global safety threshold. This spike in pollution can lead to serious health issues like acute and chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks.
Fortunately, unexpected rain and strong winds helped improve the air quality to safer levels. However, the use of fireworks during the celebrations is expected to cause the pollution levels to rise again.
In response to the worsening air quality, officials in New Delhi took measures such as shutting down primary schools, banning polluting vehicles, and halting construction work. Water sprinklers and anti-smog guns were deployed, and many residents wore masks to protect themselves from the haze.
New Delhi, known for its poor air quality, especially in winter, faces additional challenges as crop residue burning in neighboring states combines with cooler temperatures to trap smoke.
Efforts to Reduce Pollution During Diwali
Some Indian states have taken a stand against pollution by banning the sale of fireworks and imposing other restrictions. Authorities have also promoted the use of “green crackers,” which emit fewer pollutants than traditional firecrackers. However, enforcing these bans has proven to be a challenge in the past.
Diwali and the Ayodhya Temple Inauguration
This year’s Diwali celebrations were particularly significant as they coincided with preparations for the inauguration of a new temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The temple is being constructed on the site of the 16th-century Babri mosque, which was demolished in 1992, leading to widespread Hindu-Muslim violence. The Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict paved the way for the temple’s construction, marking a new chapter in the city’s history.
As Diwali comes to a close, the memories of the record-Breaking lamps and the joyous celebrations will linger on. Despite the challenges posed by air pollution, the festival of lights remains a testament to India’s enduring spirit and cultural heritage.
