WATCH: Smog blankets New Delhi after Diwali celebrations

After the weekend of Diwali celebrations, New Delhi was engulfed in smog on Monday. Air quality monitors indicated hazardous pollution levels, posing serious health risks to almost everyone. The Delhi region usually sees air quality worsening in autumn due to cooler temperatures, lower wind speeds, and trapped pollutants, particularly vehicle emissions.

Additionally, smoke from farmers in neighboring states burning fields before the planting season further deteriorates air quality. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by over a billion people across various faiths in India, symbolizing light over darkness. Traditions involve lights, fireworks, feasting, new attire, and prayers.

Although the sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers in Delhi are usually illegal, India's Supreme Court permitted limited "green firecrackers" during the holiday weekend in October.