Photos: COVID-19, air pollution cut firecracker demand for Diwali

A shopkeeper arranges lanterns at a roadside market ahead of the Hindu festival Diwali, the festival of lights, in Kolkata. Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is the Hindu festival of lights which is celebrated by Indians all over the globe. Deepavali, which translates as ‘a row of lights’ is one of the most significant of all Hindu festivals and is celebrated over a period of 5 days. It is observed on the 15th day of the month of Kartika and in accordance with the Hindu lunar calendar, this month is considered the holiest. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on November 14.

People buying decorative lights from the market ahead of the Diwali festival at Chandni chowk in New Delhi. Diwali is not only significant because of its massive popularity and brilliant displays of fireworks but also because it symbolises the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil and of knowledge over ignorance

The celebration of Diwali also serves as a cleansing ritual, one that signifies letting go of all of the past year’s worries and troubles and stepping into the light. In the days leading up to Diwali, families get together to clean, renovate and decorate their respective households and workplaces with rangolis and diyas. Diwali marks the onset of winter and the beginning of all things new, both in nature and humanity. Above, an Indian woman makes earthen lamps ahead of Hindu festival Diwali in Ahmedabad.

An Indian potter makes earthen lamps ahead of Diwali festival, in Hyderabad. It's not just about dampening festive spirits. For hundreds of craftspersons and artisans, it is also about livelihood.

People visit a firecrackers' shop, ahead of the Diwali festival, near Jama Masjid in old Delhi. The Delhi Government has announced ban on burning of firecrackers, including those branded ‘green’, between November 7 and 30 in the view of rising air pollution.

People buy decorative items ahead of the Diwali festival, in Old Delhi.

A horticulture farmer works on seasonal flower plants to meet the high demand ahead of the Hindu religious festival Diwali in the East Midnapore district, some 90 km west of Kolkata.

An artisan makes decorative lanterns at a workshop ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Hyderabad.

Members of Muslim Mahila foundation making earthen lamps ahead of Diwali festival, in Varanasi.

Shoppers gather at a store selling lights in a shopping area ahead of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, amid the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic in New Delhi.

People shop in a market selling paper lanterns ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Mumbai.

An artisan paints a statue of Hindu goddess Lakshmi in a workshop ahead of the Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Hyderabad.

A man wearing a face mask shops for lanterns at a roadside stall ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Mumbai.

A worker makes candles for the upcoming Diwali festival, in New Delhi.

Women making eco-friendly and user-friendly earthen lamps ahead of Diwali festival, in Lucknow.

People shop for lanterns at a roadside stall ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Mumbai.

People crowd along a road in a shopping area ahead of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, amid the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic in New Delhi.