Thousands and thousands of Indians have been setting off deafening firework shows on Sunday to gentle up the sky for Diwali, the Hindu Competition of Lights, which celebrates the triumph of fine over evil.
Hindus throughout India handed out sweets, exchanged greetings with pals and kin, and adorned their houses with glowing lanterns and oil lamps as they celebrated the nation’s most necessary competition of the yr.
Diwali marks the return dwelling of the Hindu god Rama from a 14-year exile after killing the demon Ravana, who had kidnapped his spouse, Sita, in accordance with the traditional Hindu epic Ramayana.
A near-constant stream of fireworks and firecrackers lasting till midnight was anticipated to go away a darkish, smoggy cloud lingering for days – a matter of concern for environmentalists.
Conscious of the air pollution and the risks of the deafening shows, authorities pushed this yr to chop down on the variety of fireworks, and a few faculties despatched notices dwelling urging mother and father to not purchase any.
The state-run Central Air pollution Management Board stated it will be monitoring the air high quality and noise ranges on Sunday night time at a dozen areas in New Delhi, India’s capital.
India’s financial downturn seems to have impacted this yr’s celebrations.
Individuals sometimes purchase gold throughout Diwali, together with jewelry, cash and small statues of the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh.
However the authorities has imposed a steep new tax on gold imports, making the already excessive costs far out of attain for a lot of Indians.
Diwali additionally is widely known by Hindus in different components of the world, together with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal and Malaysia.
In Karachi, Pakistan, the Hindu group illuminated their houses with chiragh (lamps), supplied particular prayers and loved the occasion by setting off fireworks and distributing of sweets.
One Hindu Karachi resident took the chance to “ship and share happiness with others”.
“The world is filled with sorrow and difficulties, this small occasion provides us the chance to be glad and share happiness with others. Observe all festivals in a contented method irrespective of faith,” she stated.
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