Thu Oct 31 00:01:28 UTC 2024: ## Diwali 2024: Festival of Lights Kicks Off Amidst Pollution Concerns and Festive Spirit

**New Delhi, India** – Diwali, the widely celebrated Hindu festival of lights, is underway, bringing with it a vibrant atmosphere and diverse traditions. This year, the five-day festivities began on October 29th with Dhanteras and will culminate on November 1st with Bhai Dooj.

Diwali, which falls on the 15th day of the Kartik month, celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The festival is marked by elaborate rituals including worshipping Lord Ganesha and Lakshmi, sharing sweets, lighting diyas, and setting off fireworks.

However, the joyous celebrations are overshadowed by concerns about air pollution. Delhi, already grappling with poor air quality, has seen its AQI deteriorate to ‘very poor’, making it the most polluted city in India. The increase in air pollution is attributed to the use of fireworks during Diwali.

To address this, alternative celebrations are gaining popularity, including ‘seed crackers’ which replace traditional fireworks with live seeds, promoting sustainability.

Despite the pollution concerns, the spirit of Diwali remains strong. Ayodhya is gearing up for Deepotsav, with the Uttar Pradesh government aiming to break a world record by lighting 28 lakh diyas along the Saryu River.

Diwali celebrations have also reached the international stage, with US President Joe Biden commemorating the festival at the White House and the One World Trade Center illuminated with colourful lights.

The festival has also brought forth new gifting trends, with consumers opting for health-conscious hampers, designer wear, and experiences like gym memberships and vacations.

While the traditional custom of buying gold remains popular, there is an increasing interest in gold-coloured tech gadgets, including Samsung’s new Galaxy A16 smartphone.

The exact date of Diwali has been subject to debate this year. While Amavasya tithi falls on October 31st, Drik Panchang suggests that Diwali will be celebrated on this day.

As the festival progresses, the nation looks forward to a joyous celebration filled with traditions, festivities, and a growing emphasis on environmentally friendly practices.

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