Millions of Indians are celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, by illuminating their homes, temples, offices, and streets with oil lamps and colorful lights. The festival, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, is being celebrated across India's diverse regions and communities until November 10th. Despite the festivities, concerns over air pollution have arisen, particularly in northern India where seasonal weather conditions and crop residue burning contribute to deteriorating air quality. In response, India's Supreme Court has allowed the limited manufacture, sale, and use of "green" firecrackers in Delhi and surrounding areas during Diwali to mitigate pollution. However, critics question their effectiveness, and fears persist that conventional firecrackers could still be brought into the capital from neighboring states. Beyond fireworks, Diwali marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravan, symbolizing good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Families celebrate by cleaning their homes, decorating with flowers, lights, and traditional oil lamps, gathering for prayers, elaborate feasts, gift exchanges, and traditional sweets. Rangoli patterns are created at entrances to homes, while markets bustle with shoppers buying festive essentials beneath brightly lit decorations. The celebrations began on November 6th with Dhanteras, continued with Chhoti Diwali, reach their peak on the third day, and conclude with Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Diwali is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains, along with other significant religious observances. With Indian communities worldwide, Diwali is celebrated internationally as well, bringing families and friends together for festive gatherings and gift exchanges. The festival is considered an auspicious time to make new purchases, believed to bring prosperity and good fortune, with India's stock exchanges even holding a special one-hour trading session called Muhurat trading on November 8th this year. Although rooted in Hindu traditions, Diwali is celebrated by people across various faiths and communities worldwide.