Devali morning brought hazardous pollution to Delhi, with AQI levels in many areas crossing 400, forcing authorities to implement stage two of the Air Quality Response Plan. Smog covered India Gate, Kalindi, and Mayur Vihar, significantly reducing visibility. Despite green firecrackers being allowed, experts warn the pollution could worsen by tomorrow.Across the country, festive crowds created chaos. In Maharashtra, long queues formed at firecracker stalls from 5 AM to noon, while Gurugram saw streets filled with shoppers outside warehouses. Ayodhya witnessed a grand celebration at the Mahakal temple, with devotees performing Basma Arti and applying turmeric, milk, honey, and dried fruits to the deity.Other incidents during the festival included a hero’s welcome for a marijuana smuggler in Kanpur, a massive furniture warehouse fire in Madhya Pradesh, and a restaurant fire in Jaisalmer caused by illegal firecracker sales. Delhi witnessed violent crimes: a pregnant woman was stabbed by her ex-partner, a wife killed her husband with a hammer, and a stolen infant was rescued in Kanpur.Even trains were overcrowded, with passengers struggling to board despite confirmed tickets. In one unusual medical case, a laborer’s jaw locked mid-journey, requiring on-site treatment at a railway station. Meanwhile, luxury sweets in Agra markets, priced exorbitantly and coated in gold, drew attention, while hygiene concerns arose from reusing cleaned containers in pantry cars.

Delhi Choked With Pollution, Trains Overcrowded, Fires & Crimes Mark Festive Season Across India