Diwali 2024 live updates: People celebrate festival of lights; security up

Diwali 2024 live updates: Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde called this year's Diwali celebrations “special” as the Mahayuti government in the state had announced several welfare schemes for various sections of the society.

"We are celebrating Diwali today...This year's Diwali is very special. The daughters, youth and farmers have got several schemes this year," Shinde said.

Diwali 2024 live updates: The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple administration has issued a safety advisory ahead of Diwali celebrations, requesting the public to refrain from setting off fireworks and hazardous materials near the temple premises.

This precautionary measure is due to the temple's ongoing consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam), a significant event occurring once every 12 years, and extensive renovation works, including painting of the iconic towers. To protect the temple and ensure public safety, protective covers have been placed around the structure. Therefore, devotees and residents in nearby areas are urged to cooperate by avoiding firecrackers and flammable materials near the temple during Deepavali, maintaining a safe and sacred environment.

Meenakshi Temple, also referred to as Meenakshi Amman or Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Delhi’s air quality remained "very poor" Thursday morning, the day of Diwali. The Air Quality Index (AQI) registered 330 at 9 a.m. and is expected to worsen as evening festivities begin.

Delhiites awoke to skies veiled in thick smog, with Anand Vihar showing AQI in the "severe" category. Data from 38 monitoring stations indicated “very poor” air across the city.

On Wednesday, the 24-hour average AQI stood at 307, already within hazardous levels, foreshadowing concerns for further deterioration as Diwali celebrations continue.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the people on the occasion of Diwali and wished everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous life.

"Many happy wishes to the countrymen on Deepawali. On this divine festival of lights, I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous life. May everyone prosper with the blessings of Maa Lakshmi and Lord Shri Ganesha," PM Modi said on X

Diwali 2024 live updates: President Droupadi Murmu extended her Diwali greetings to the nation on Thursday. In a post on X, she stated, "On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad."

President Murmu emphasised that Diwali is a festival of joy and enthusiasm, symbolizing the victory of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. She encouraged everyone to "illuminate our conscience, adopt virtues of love and compassion, and promote social harmony" during this festive time.