Diwali in the pandemic - 18th November 2020

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, took place this year under the shadow of Covid-19.

Across the world, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains enjoy Diwali, which celebrates the victory of good over evil. Lights are placed outside houses and fireworks light up the skies.

Diwali is one of the year's most important celebrations in India. However, with coronavirus and sky-high pollution levels this year, the festivities feel a little subdued.

Firecrackers have been banned in New Delhi because of the city's pollution levels. The temples are usually packed during Diwali. But this year, they are all but empty due to fears about Covid-19.

India has the world's second highest number of coronavirus cases after the US.

However, Sonam Choudhary believes that everyone will make the best of it.

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'."