Udaipur, Oct 21, 2025: As India celebrated Diwali on October 20–21, air quality across the country, Rajasthan, and Udaipur showed significant fluctuations, with noticeable spikes during the night and early morning hours.

National AQI Trends (India)

• 15–20 October: AQI ranged from 130 to 239, mostly in the Moderate to Poor category. Pollution steadily worsened as Diwali approached.
• 20–21 October: AQI spiked sharply to 301 (Very Poor) on October 20 at 11 PM, coinciding with late-night festivities and stagnant atmospheric conditions. Levels improved after midnight but remained elevated around 150–200 into October 21.
• Health Advisory: Extended exposure to AQI above 200 can cause respiratory discomfort. Sensitive groups—children, elderly, and asthmatics—should minimize outdoor activities and use masks or indoor air purifiers.

Rajasthan AQI Patterns

• 15–20 October: The state saw a gradual AQI increase from 128 to 199, transitioning from Moderate to Poor.
• 20–21 October: AQI peaked at 282 (Very Poor) just after midnight on October 21, reflecting nighttime pollution accumulation and low air dispersion. Although slightly improving during the day, air quality remained unhealthy for sensitive groups.
• Observation: Rajasthan mirrored the national trend, showing a clear pre-Diwali spike, especially during night hours (10 PM–2 AM).

Udaipur’s AQI During Diwali

• October 15–20: AQI remained mostly Moderate, fluctuating between 113 and 181, with occasional spikes reaching levels unhealthy for sensitive groups.
• October 20–21 (Diwali Days):

• Peak AQI: 250 at 4:04 AM on October 21.
• Minimum AQI: 111 at the same hour, reflecting rapid fluctuations in early morning air quality.
• Trend: Nighttime and early morning hours saw the highest pollution, gradually declining through the day but remaining in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range.

• Implications: While not reaching the “Very Poor” levels observed in Rajasthan or nationally, Udaipur residents experienced heightened early-morning pollution, likely due to firecrackers and stagnant air conditions.

Takeaways for Udaipur Residents

• Air quality worsened during Diwali, particularly late at night and early morning.
• Prolonged exposure to AQI over 200 (observed in peaks) can cause respiratory discomfort.
• Precautionary measures: wear masks outdoors during night and early morning, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, and consider indoor air purifiers for sensitive individuals.

In summary: Udaipur’s air quality during Diwali 2025 showed moderate to unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups levels, with early morning pollution spikes. The trend reflected broader patterns across Rajasthan and India, highlighting the environmental impact of festive celebrations.