For the first time in five years, Delhi celebrated Diwali without a blanket ban on firecrackers after the Supreme Court ruled to allow so-called “green crackers.”

Hospitals across Indian capital see surge in respiratory illnesses as air pollution worsens after celebration of Hindu festival

Diwali. Anand Vihar hits 'severe' levels due to low wind speeds hindering pollutant dispersion. Check AQI updates.

A viral video from Delhi's Punjabi Bagh shows massive garbage piles after Diwali, sparking debate about civic responsibility.

Air quality is hazardous in many areas in India, with pollution from Diwali celebrations the predominant cause. While rare, there are many areas with an AQI over 1,000. Delhi is currently the most polluted major global city with an AQI of 1,121 and is experiencing one of its… pic.twitter.com/Gv0I5ZtkLa

The NCT govt sanctioned 15 smart air purifiers for the Secretariat building—from funds that are basically provided by taxpayers’ monies

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 341 as of 1 pm on Wednesday, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. However, certain localities such as Punjabi Bagh and Wazirpur recorded ‘severe’ levels, with AQI readings of 419 and 394, respectively, Hindustan Times reported.

Sam Pepper injured an eight-year-old girl while shooting firecrackers during Diwali celebrations in New Delhi. The incident was captured and widely circulated online, attracting social media backlash.

Check city-wise Lakshmi Puja timings for Delhi, Varanasi, Patna, Mumbai, and other cities on 20 October. Know the exact time to perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja.