WATCH: Smog blankets New Delhi after Diwali celebrations

On Monday, New Delhi was shrouded in hazy smog following Diwali weekend celebrations. Air quality monitors warned of hazardous pollution levels, posing considerable health risks to virtually everyone. As the Delhi region usually faces deteriorating air quality in autumn due to cooler weather and reduced wind speeds, this year the smog was exacerbated by additional factors.

Farmers in neighboring states burning fields before the planting season also added to the poor air quality. Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated by over a billion people across various Indian faiths, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Traditions include lighting, fireworks, feasting, new clothing, and prayers. Despite fireworks being generally illegal in Delhi, the Supreme Court allowed limited "green firecrackers" for brief periods over the holiday weekend.