Air qualityFairs and festivalsGeneral NewsHinduismPollutionWorld News Diwali Celebrations in India Set Guinness Record Amid Rising Air Pollution Concerns by Gabriel Martinez November 13, 2023 written by Gabriel Martinez November 13, 2023 4 comments Bookmark 29 In a record-setting celebration, millions of Indians observed Diwali on Sunday, illuminating the night with a record number of traditional earthen oil lamps, even as air pollution worries intensified in the nation. Throughout India, homes and streets sparkled with vibrant lights, as people gathered to honor the Hindu festival of lights, which signifies the triumph of light over darkness. The highlight of the event was the grand lighting of oil lamps along the Saryu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, believed to be the birthplace of the revered Hindu deity, Lord Ram. On Saturday evening, a staggering 2.22 million lamps were lit and maintained for 45 minutes at the river’s edge, accompanied by Hindu chants, breaking the previous year’s record of over 1.5 million lamps. RELATED STORIES Understanding Diwali: The Festival of Lights and its Celebration in India and Abroad Diwali Festivities and Dazzling Displays Across India Diwali Celebrations Illuminate New York City Guinness World Records officials validated the record and presented a certificate to Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The effort was supported by over 24,000 volunteers, predominantly university students, as per Pratibha Goyal, vice-chancellor of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya. Diwali, a national holiday in India, involves social gatherings, gift exchanges, lighting of lamps or candles, and fireworks. A special evening prayer is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, associated with fortune and prosperity. The river Saryu’s banks were illuminated on Diwali’s eve in Ayodhya, captured in a photograph by Rajesh Kumar Singh (AP Photo). Extra trains were operational over the weekend to manage the surge of people traveling to their hometowns for the festivities. The festival occurred amidst escalating concerns over air quality in India. The air quality index recently hit a “hazardous” level of 400-500, far exceeding the global safety standard, capable of causing severe respiratory ailments. However, air quality improved to a level of 220 on Saturday due to unexpected rainfall and strong winds, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board. Post-celebration, air pollution is anticipated to rise again due to the fireworks. In response to severe smog in New Delhi, primary schools were closed, and restrictions were placed on vehicles and construction activities. The city frequently experiences poor air quality, particularly in winter, exacerbated by crop burning in neighboring regions. Authorities used water sprinklers and anti-smog guns to mitigate haze, and many people resorted to masks for protection. Despite bans on firecrackers in some states and appeals to use eco-friendlier “green crackers,” compliance has been limited. This year’s Diwali holds significance as it precedes the inauguration of a much-awaited temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Ayodhya, at the site of the demolished 16th-century Babri Masjid. The mosque’s destruction in 1992 by a Hindu mob led to widespread Hindu-Muslim violence. The Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict paved the way for the temple’s construction at the mosque’s former location. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Diwali Celebrations IndiaWhat is Diwali and how is it celebrated in India?How did India set a Guinness World Record during Diwali 2023?What are the concerns about air pollution during Diwali?What is the significance of Ayodhya in the 2023 Diwali celebrations?More about Diwali Celebrations India Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Diwali Celebrations India What is Diwali and how is it celebrated in India? Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. The celebration involves lighting earthen oil lamps or candles, setting off fireworks, socializing, exchanging gifts, and offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. Diwali is recognized as a national holiday in India. How did India set a Guinness World Record during Diwali 2023? During the 2023 Diwali celebrations, over 2.22 million lamps were lit along the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, surpassing the previous year’s record. The lamps were kept burning for 45 minutes, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest number of lamps lit simultaneously. What are the concerns about air pollution during Diwali? Diwali celebrations, particularly the use of fireworks, contribute to a significant increase in air pollution levels in India. This is a growing concern as the air quality often exceeds safe limits, leading to health issues like respiratory problems. Measures like bans on certain fireworks and promoting green crackers are being implemented to address this issue. What is the significance of Ayodhya in the 2023 Diwali celebrations? Ayodhya holds a special significance in the 2023 Diwali celebrations as it is the birthplace of Lord Ram, a central figure in Hindu mythology. The city is also the site for the construction of the Ram Temple, which is of great religious and cultural importance, especially following the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 and the subsequent Supreme Court verdict in 2019. More about Diwali Celebrations India Diwali Festival Overview Guinness World Records Diwali Celebrations Air Pollution in India Ayodhya Ram Temple History You Might Be Interested In Proud Boy who disappeared ahead of his Jan. 6 sentencing was found unconscious by agents at his home Speaker Mike Johnson signals that Ukraine aid, coupled with border security, is next on GOP agenda Biden Administration Developing Anti-Islamophobia Strategy Amidst Skepticism from Muslim Americans Introducing Threads: Meta’s Answer to Twitter—All Your Questions Answered Netanyahu Hospitalized for Pacemaker Surgery; Vows to Continue with Judicial Reform Biden Holds GOP Accountable for Student Loan Ruling as 2024 Political Ramifications Approach Air Pollution Indiaair qualityAyodhya Ram TempleDiwali 2023Fairs and festivalsGeneral NewsHinduismpollution Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Gabriel Martinez Follow Author Gabriel Martinez is a science and technology journalist who covers the latest news and developments in the world of science. He is passionate about exploring new frontiers in technology, from artificial intelligence to space exploration. previous post Wolverines Rally Around ‘Michigan vs. Everybody’ Slogan Amidst Jim Harbaugh’s Sign-Stealing Suspension next post Jaguars Suffer a Humiliating 34-3 Defeat to 49ers, Halting Their 5-Game Win Streak You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 4 comments Priya Gupta November 13, 2023 - 2:01 pm i think its great that they set a new record! shows the spirit of Diwali, but yeah, we need to be careful about the pollution Reply Sunita Verma November 13, 2023 - 6:05 pm Air quality is a big issue during Diwali, glad to see some measures being taken. but is it enough? Reply Amit Singh November 13, 2023 - 7:01 pm the article mentions the Ram temple, but doesn’t go deep into the historical context. wish it had more on that part Reply Rajesh K November 13, 2023 - 7:30 pm Amazing to see how Diwali is celbrated on such a large scale, but the air pollution is a real worry, isn’t it? Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ
