Indians Celebrate Festival of Light amid COVID-19 Fears

People light lamps on the banks of the river Saryu in Ayodhya, India, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)
People light lamps on the banks of the river Saryu in Ayodhya, India, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)
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Indians Celebrate Festival of Light amid COVID-19 Fears

People light lamps on the banks of the river Saryu in Ayodhya, India, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)
People light lamps on the banks of the river Saryu in Ayodhya, India, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Indians across the country began celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, on Thursday amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic and rising air pollution.

Diwali is typically celebrated by socializing and exchanging gifts with family and friends. Many light oil lamps or candles to symbolize a victory of light over darkness, and fireworks are set off as part of the celebrations.

Last year, celebrations in India were upended by a renewed spike in COVID-19 infections, but festivities this year seem to be back. Even though the government has asked people to avoid large gatherings, markets have been buzzing ahead of Diwali, with eager crowds buying flowers, lanterns and candles.

As dusk fell on Wednesday, over 900,000 earthen lamps were lit and kept burning for 45 minutes in the northern city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh state, retaining the Guinness World Record it set last year. As part of the Diwali celebrations, the city last year lit 606,569 oil lamps, The Associated Press reported.

The lamps were lit at Ram ki Pauri, at the banks of Saryu River, a stunning spectacle for thousands of visitors who thronged its shores while ignoring coronavirus social distancing norms. A laser and fireworks show followed, illuminating the city's lanes and river banks. Thousands of city residents also lit lamps at their houses and temples.

The festival is being celebrated at a time when India's pandemic crisis has largely subsided.

On Thursday, the country recorded over 12,000 new coronavirus cases and 461 deaths, a far cry from earlier this year when India buckled under a few hundred thousand new infections every day. Overall, it has recorded more than 35 million infections and over 459,000 deaths, according to the Health Ministry. These figures, as elsewhere, are likely undercounts.

Even states where infections were swelling a few weeks ago, such as Kerala along the tropical Malabar Coast, have seen a sustained decline. India also celebrated administering its billionth COVID-19 vaccine dose last month, further boosting confidence that life is returning to normal.

Still, experts have warned that the festival season could bring a renewed spike in infections if COVID-19 health measures aren´t enforced.

There are also worries over air pollution, which typically shrouds northern India under a toxic grey smog at this time as temperatures dip and winter settles in.

On Diwali night, people also lit up the sky with firecrackers - their smoke causing pollution that takes days to clear.

While there is no nationwide ban on bursting firecrackers, a number of states have imposed restrictions to stem the pollution, with some allowing their residents to light green crackers for a certain number of hours. Green crackers produce lesser emissions than normal firecrackers. In the past, similar bans have often been flouted.



How to Practice Healthy Fasting during Ramadan

People break their fasts during the Muslim’s holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a rooftop restaurant near the historical Badshahi mosque, in background, in Lahore, Pakistan, March 15, 2024. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)
People break their fasts during the Muslim’s holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a rooftop restaurant near the historical Badshahi mosque, in background, in Lahore, Pakistan, March 15, 2024. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)
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How to Practice Healthy Fasting during Ramadan

People break their fasts during the Muslim’s holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a rooftop restaurant near the historical Badshahi mosque, in background, in Lahore, Pakistan, March 15, 2024. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)
People break their fasts during the Muslim’s holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a rooftop restaurant near the historical Badshahi mosque, in background, in Lahore, Pakistan, March 15, 2024. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)

Manal Elfakhani looks back fondly on childhood memories from the month of Ramadan. She would break her fast at the mosque with family and snack on sweet semolina flour cookies that she’s since learned to bake herself.

Ramadan is about spiritual reflection and the value of having enough to eat, she said. For about a month, many Muslims don’t eat or drink from dawn to sunset. This year, it’s set to begin this weekend.

While it’s safe for most people to fast, planning ahead and keeping nutrition in mind can make the month that much more meaningful, said Elfakhani, a nutrition expert at Pennsylvania State University, The AP reported.

Young children, the elderly and those who are pregnant, menstruating or breastfeeding are exempt from fasting. People with diabetes, heart disease or other chronic conditions should talk to their doctor when deciding to fast, especially if they take medications regularly.

“You should be in a very good, healthy state in order to do this,” Elfakhani said.

For the pre-dawn meal called suhoor, nutrition experts recommend fueling up with a variety of food groups.

When Sonya Islam was too tired to crawl out of bed for suhoor as a child, her mother would bring her a banana and a glass of milk. Now a dietician at VCU Health, she sees the wisdom in that meal: a combination of fiber and protein.

“Having sustained fuel that can last for as long as possible is critical,” she said.

This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health. Read more Be Well.

She suggests foods with healthy fats in them — like avocados and nuts — as well as high-fiber, hydrating vegetables and fruits. Sugary foods aren’t the best idea since they digest quickly and can trigger cravings.

While that cup of coffee or tea may be tempting, experts say it’s best to fight the urge. Instead, hydrate with water and non-caffeinated drinks.

The daily fast’s duration can vary by location depending on the hours of daylight. Experts say to take it easy and listen to the body while fasting.

Elfakhani tries to slow down during the day in between teaching stints and catches up on work after the evening iftar meal.

Going for a short walk or stretching can help boost energy levels and keep the mind active. People who exercise regularly may want to work out right before breaking the fast or later in the evening to avoid dehydration.

At the evening iftar meal, avoid overeating as this can make the body feel sluggish.

Some choose to break their fast with a glass of water or a hot drink and fiber-rich dates. After that, consider having a few appetizers and a small entree. Wait a few hours and then snack as needed.

“It’s more so about mindful eating and listening to when your body’s actually hungry as opposed to just overloading,” said Zaiba Jetpuri from UT Southwestern Medical Center.