Millions of Indians celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights

NEW DELHI (AP) — Millions of Indians celebrated Diwali on Monday as lamps illuminated homes and streets across the country to mark the Hindu festival symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

Diwali, derived from the word “Deepavali,” meaning “a row of lights,” is typically celebrated by socializing and exchanging gifts. The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in late October or early November.

Shoppers crowded markets to buy flowers, lanterns and candles.

The celebrations were most visible in Ayodhya city in Uttar Pradesh state. Hindus believe the deity Lord Ram was born there and returned after 14 years in exile. People light earthen lamps to mark his homecoming.

As dusk fell Sunday, more than 2.6 million lamps were lit on the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya, retaining the Guinness World Record set last year. At least 2,100 Hindu priests performed prayers in unison, their chants echoing across the shimmering riverfront.

The holy city was also decked with fairy lights, and a laser and fireworks show illuminated its lanes and riverbanks. Thousands of residents lit lamps at houses and temples.

Officials said more than 33,000 volunteers helped light the lamps. Nearly 40 families from nearby villages produced 1.6 million lamps. At least 73,000 liters of oil and 5.5 million cotton wicks were used to light the city.

“It is hard work lighting diyas (oil lamps) one by one,” said 19-year-old volunteer Rachit Singh, his face glowing in the firelight. “But when you see the whole ghat (stairs to the river) light up, every bit of effort feels worth it.”

In recent years, Diwali celebrations in New Delhi have been clouded by concerns over air pollution, as smoke-emitting firecrackers cause toxic smog that can take days to clear.

On Monday, the level of tiniest particulates surged to 347 on the air quality index in parts of the city — about 14 times the World Health Organization’s daily recommended maximum exposure — according to SAFAR, the federal government’s air quality monitoring agency.

Last week, India’s top court eased a blanket ban on firecrackers in New Delhi during Diwali, allowing limited use of “green firecrackers” that emit fewer pollutants. Developed by federal research institutes, they are designed to cut particulate and gas emissions by about 30%.

The court said they could be used during specific hours from Saturday to Tuesday.

Associated Press writer Biswajeet Banerjee in Lucknow, India, contributed to this report.

A girl performs on a mallakhamb pole as fireworks light up the sky during the festival of lights Diwali in Mumbai, India, on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Friends light the fire crackers during the Diwali festival of lights in Mumbai, India, on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

A family lights firecrackers during the Diwali festival of lights in Mumbai, India, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

A couple takes a selfie along the Saryu river during Deepotsav celebrations on the eve of Diwali in Ayodhya, India, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

A girl performs on a mallakhamb pole as fireworks light up the sky during the Diwali festival of lights in Mumbai, India, on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox traded veteran outfielder Derek Hill to the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday in a swap between contending teams.

The White Sox also sent $250,000 in international bonus pool money to the Phillies for minor league outfielder Dylan Campbell and minor league infielder José Colmenares.

The 30-year-old Hill is batting .213 with four homers, eight RBIs and seven steals in 50 games this season. He was claimed off waivers by the White Sox in September.

Chicago also acquired outfielder Nolan Jones and cash from Cleveland for $250,000 in international bonus pool money. The 28-year-old Jones will report to Triple-A Charlotte.

Philadelphia added to its outfield depth after Adolis García departed Wednesday night's 7-4 victory at Toronto because of a pulled muscle in his right shoulder. García was expected to get some imaging on Thursday.

The Phillies are 28-12 since Don Mattingly took over as interim manager after Rob Thomson was fired in April. They had an off day before beginning a weekend series at NL Central-leading Milwaukee on Friday night.

To make room on Philadelphia's 40-man roster, right-hander Jackson Rutledge was designated for assignment.

Chicago had won four of six going into Thursday night's game against Atlanta. After dropping at least 101 games in each of the previous three years, the White Sox began the day on top of the AL Central with a 36-31 record.

White Sox manager Will Venable praised Hill for his contribution to the team on and off the field.

“Really just a situation where we were in a little bit of a roster crunch there,” Venable said. “It speaks to D. Hill and his performance and who he is that there was a lot of interest in him and it also speaks to where our club is at that we are able to or really needed to push a really good player off our roster.”

Chicago also activated outfielder Everson Pereira from the 10-day injured list before its series finale against Atlanta. The 25-year-old Pereira had been sidelined by a right pectoral strain.

“It took a little more time than I was expecting to, but I feel very good right now,” Pereira said through a translator. "I don’t think I have to be concerned about it throughout the season.”

Pereira was in the starting lineup against the Braves, batting fifth and playing center field. Shortstop Colson Montgomery also returned to the lineup after missing two games because of back soreness.

“He’s going to have to manage it his whole career,” Venable said of Montgomery. “With backs, it’s something he’s dealt with in the past. Something he’ll deal with in the future. I don’t think to the degree you are concerned other than the daily maintenance you have to do to keep your body functioning properly.”

Jones had a big year for Colorado in 2023, batting .297 with 20 homers, 62 RBIs and 20 steals in 106 games. But he struggled for much of the past two seasons, hitting a career-low .211 with five homers in 136 games with the Guardians in 2025.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Chicago White Sox's Derek Hill hits a one-run single against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning in a baseball game, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)