APTOPIX India Hindu Festival

A thick blanket of smog has shrouded India’s capital after firecrackers lit up the skies over New Delhi during Diwali celebrations. Despite restrictions, residents celebrated with fireworks on Sunday evening, worsening the city's already high pollution levels. The air quality index exceeded 350 in several parts of the capital on Monday morning, reaching the severe category. India's Supreme Court has tried to limit Diwali pollution by restricting conventional firecrackers, but enforcement remains a challenge. New Delhi, home to over 30 million people, regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted areas during winter, with pollution worsening in late October and November.