Diwali 2025 LIVE Updates: Delhi Chokes In Thick Smog As AQI Turns 'Severe'; Ayodhya’s Ram Temple Illuminated In Grand Celebration

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya shone brightly with lights as it was beautifully illuminated to mark Diwali celebrations.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha attended the state-level Diwali celebrations held at Matabari in Udaipur. He was joined by State Finance Minister Ranjit Saha Roy, Tourism Minister Sushanta Deb, and several other dignitaries for the festive event.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini celebrated Diwali with his family at their residence in Panchkula. As part of the celebrations, they visited an old-age home and spent time with the elderly, sharing sweets and festive joy.

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Diwali, with many areas touching the ‘severe’ pollution category. A thick layer of smog covered the city on Monday morning as residents experienced poor visibility and heavy air pollution following festive celebrations. Data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) showed alarming AQI levels across several locations — Ashok Vihar at 401, Wazirpur at 418, Mandir Marg at 345, Nehru Nagar at 391, and Punjabi Bagh at 393. Experts warned that the combination of firecrackers and stagnant weather conditions led to the sharp rise in pollution levels.

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Vice-President’s Enclave on Monday, where both leaders exchanged Deepawali greetings.

Bhubaneswar’s buildings sparkled with colourful lights as residents celebrated Diwali with joy, lighting diyas and bursting firecrackers across the city.

Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal dazzled with stunning light decorations as the city celebrated Diwali 2025.

Chandigarh glowed with vibrant decorative lights and rows of diyas as the city celebrated Diwali.

The iconic Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk glowed beautifully with rows of earthen lamps lit to celebrate Diwali 2025.

Mumbai’s Shivaji Park lit up the sky with its iconic fireworks display to mark the celebration of Diwali.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar extended his Diwali greetings on Monday, urging people to celebrate the festival with unity and joy. Sharing his message on X, he wrote, “Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the festival of lights, Deepawali. Deepawali is a symbol of the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Celebrate it with mutual harmony, goodwill and joy. May Deepawali bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to the state.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his Diwali greetings on Monday, calling the festival a “beacon of hope” and a sacred reminder of the victory of truth and righteousness. Sharing his message on X, he wrote, “Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all of you on the grand festival of Diwali, the sacred symbol of the eternal victory of truth, the eternal righteousness, and positivity! The festival of lights is not merely a ritual of lighting lamps, but a beacon of hope in the soul, a pulse of harmony in society, and a resolve for national resurgence. May the grace of Lord Shri Ram and Mother Janaki illuminate not only our homes but also our hearts, and may the lamp of faith, enthusiasm, and zeal be kindled in everyone's life--this is my prayer. Jai Jai Siyaram!”

The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) has cancelled all staff leaves to maintain full readiness during Diwali, officials said on Monday. A senior officer stated that all fire stations and quick response teams (QRTs) are on high alert to handle emergencies efficiently. Over 100 locations across the city will see additional QRT deployment. The officer added that all vehicles have been inspected and are operational. Last year, the DFS received more than 200 fire-related calls linked to crackers and diyas. To ensure preparedness, multiple mock drills were carried out in residential and commercial areas ahead of the festival.

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended his Deepavali greetings through a post on X. Sharing a short video featuring members of the Indian community in Singapore, he wrote, "Light over darkness. Hope over fear. As we count down to Deepavali, we celebrate not just the lights that fill our homes, but the meaning they carry in our hearts. Wishing everyone a bright and meaningful Festival of Lights ahead."

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed his Diwali greetings to the public on Monday. Sharing his wishes on X, he wrote, "Wishing everyone a very happy and joyful Diwali. May the festival of lights bring peace, prosperity, and happiness in everyone's lives."

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon extended his wishes on the occasion of Diwali. In his message, he said, "Happy Diwali, everyone. As families and friends come together all across New Zealand to celebrate the festival of lights, I want to take a moment to acknowledge what this time represents. It is about the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and good over evil."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his Diwali wishes through a video message, saying, "I wish everyone a very happy Diwali. As you gather to celebrate the great festival of lights, may this special time uplift you with hope for a bright future. May it be an absolutely wonderful celebration."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday to convey Diwali greetings to President Droupadi Murmu. Sharing the update on X, the President wrote, “Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and shared Diwali greetings.”

President Droupadi Murmu extended her Diwali greetings to people in India and abroad, conveying her wishes through a post on X. She wrote, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians, both in India and across the world.” The President also urged citizens to celebrate the festival responsibly and in an eco-friendly way, adding, “May this Diwali bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to all.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali on Monday with Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant near Goa and Karwar. Expressing his pride in spending the festival with the country’s brave soldiers, PM Modi praised the armed forces for their unity and strength during Operation Sindoor. He said, “Just a few months ago, we saw that INS Vikrant, with its name alone, had given sleepless nights to entire Pakistan. Whose name itself can destroy the courage of the enemy, that name is INS Vikrant... the tremendous coordination of the three services forced Pakistan to surrender so quickly in Operation Sindoor.”