Chhath Puja Celebrations Marred by Toxic Smog in Delhi

As of November 2nd, 2025, the annual Chhath Puja festival in Delhi was marred by thick smog that prevented devotees from seeing the sun, a critical part of the celebrations. Thousands of women observing a 36-hour fast were left disappointed as the sun's rays failed to penetrate the toxic haze that had pushed Delhi's air quality to "very poor" levels.

The deterioration of air quality, which began around Diwali, has persisted, disrupting the traditional Chhath Puja celebrations. This is just one example of how the climate crisis is impacting India's cultural and religious traditions. On the same day, coastal Andhra Pradesh witnessed the landfall of Cyclone Montha, which killed three people and caused significant property and crop damage. In Jharkhand, eight districts suffered heavy rains, while the Delhi government had to resort to cloud seeding to create artificial rainfall.

These extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common across India. Data from the meteorological department shows that in 2025, the country received 108% of its normal rainfall, adversely impacting kharif crops, with an estimated 58% of the total kharif area affected. The rains were preceded by oppressive summer heat, with at least three days deemed the "warmest in human history." Researchers warn that by 2050, summers in India will become unbearably intense for humans to endure, with close to 600 million Indians directly impacted.

Despite India's rapid economic growth, the country remains one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with states like Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Odisha classified as "extremely vulnerable." As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, the disruption of cherished cultural traditions like Chhath Puja serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.