Diwali in the pandemic - 18th November 2020

Celebrations for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, have been a little muted this year owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Diwali symbolises the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world, who place lights outside their houses and set off fireworks.

Despite being one of the most significant events in their calendar, Covid-19 and high levels of pollution have dampened this year's Diwali festivities. There are to be no firecrackers on the streets of New Delhi this year since air pollution levels in the city have led to a strictly enforced ban. Indians fearing coronavirus infection are also avoiding the temples, which would typically be crammed full of worshippers.

After the US, India has the highest number of Covid cases in the world. But Sonam Choudhary feels that, with some adjustments, the celebrations can go on.

Sonam Choudhary: "I think everybody in their mind, they are scared about coronavirus, but at the same time they are, kind of, adjusting to the new normal, maintaining social distancing, sanitising their hands, and to be sane, you have to get ‘the life goes on'."