Homes and temples glow across India as Diwali celebrations begin

Millions across India are set to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, illuminating homes, temples, offices and streets with oil lamps and colourful lights to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness. Although Diwali traditions vary across India's regions and communities, the festival is widely marked by prayers, family gatherings, the exchange of sweets and the lighting of firecrackers.

Seasonal weather conditions and the burning of crop residue contribute to deteriorating air quality, while firecrackers set off during Diwali can make the situation worse. In the capital, Delhi, the air quality index (AQI) reached 391 on Friday morning, placing it in the "very poor" category ahead of the festival.

There are fears that pollution levels could rise further after the celebrations. India's financial capital, Mumbai, has also experienced high pollution levels in recent weeks, with its AQI reaching 322 on 24 October.