Key Takeaways
- GRAP Stage 2 implemented in Delhi as AQI hits ‘very poor’ levels before Diwali
- Dhanteras sales cross Rs 1 lakh crore nationwide, with gold and silver dominating
- Supreme Court allows green crackers in Delhi-NCR for two days after 2020 ban
- Indian Railways operates thousands of special trains to manage festival rush
- Ayodhya sets two world records during Deepotsav celebrations
As India celebrates Diwali 2025, Delhi faces severe air pollution with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoking GRAP Stage 2 measures immediately. The capital’s air quality index reached 400 in some areas, marking ‘very poor’ levels even before Diwali festivities began.
Record-Breaking Festive Sales
Dhanteras shopping crossed Rs 1 lakh crore nationwide, according to traders’ body CAIT. Gold and silver purchases exceeded Rs 60,000 crore – nearly 25% higher than last year – as buyers anticipated price rallies. Delhi alone recorded sales crossing Rs 10,000 crore, with growing demand for locally made products.
Transport Updates Across India
Railway Operations
Western Railway is operating 75 pairs of special trains making over 2,400 trips for Diwali and Chhath. Unprecedented crowds were witnessed at Surat station with queues extending up to 1.5 km. Northern Railway will run 4,718 special train trips between September 19 and November 30.
Metro Schedule Changes
Delhi Metro advanced services on Pink, Magenta, and Grey Lines to 6 am instead of 7 am. Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro will operate only till 7 pm on Diwali day. Chennai Metro extended hours with trains running from 5 am to 11 pm.
Environmental Measures and Initiatives
The Supreme Court permitted green crackers in Delhi-NCR for two days within fixed hours, the first allowance since the 2020 complete ban. The bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai sought to balance tradition, livelihoods, and pollution control.
In eco-friendly initiatives, Sikkim urged residents to avoid firecrackers and single-use plastics. In Ranchi, women’s groups are producing cow-dung diyas, with some women making up to 400 diyas daily earning 75 paise per diya.
Market and Celebration Updates
Muhurat trading will occur from 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm on October 21, while regular markets remain closed. Ayodhya set two world records – 2,128 people performing simultaneous aarti and 26 lakh diyas lit during Deepotsav.
Despite celebrations, Delhi’s air quality remains a concern with hazardous pollution levels attributed to vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial smoke, and garbage burning.
