LUCKNOW, India: Millions of Indians celebrated Diwali on Sunday with a Guinness World Record number of bright earthen oil lamps as concerns about air pollution soared in the South Asian country. Across the country, dazzling multicolored lights decked homes and streets as devotees celebrated the annual Hindu festival of light symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. After counting the lamps, Guinness Book of World Records representatives presented a record certificate to Yogi Adityanath, the state's top elected official. Air pollution level is expected to soar again after celebrations ended on Sunday night because of the fireworks used. Authorities deployed water sprinklers and anti-smog guns to control the haze and many people used masks to escape the air pollution.

Source: Manila Times November 13, 2023 00:21 UTC