One of the most famous skyscrapers in the world – The Empire State building in New York City was struck by Diwali’s fervour with top floors of the iconic edifice lit with orange hues, an auspicious colour in Hinduism that denotes sacrifice, religious abstinence, quest for light and salvation.
The spectacular view was shared from Empire State building’s official Twitter account. The building ceremoniously turned orange in association with the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
What better way to celebrate #Diwali—the festival of lights-than with some lights of our own!
— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) October 26, 2019
Together with @FIANYNJCTorg, we’ll be shining in orange tonight to celebrate. #MyDiwaliESBPhoto
📷: brunoboni/IG pic.twitter.com/gX1PE3ugg8
British singer and songwriter Arjun Coomaraswamy worked alongside the Empire State building’s team to pop the florescent colours on the building.
Singer & songwriter @ArjunArtist popped by our tower today to ceremoniously turn us orange ahead of tomorrow night’s #Diwali lighting with @FIANYNJCTorg! pic.twitter.com/lbvyhHrY2S
— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) October 25, 2019
Back in India, the celebrations also included bursting of firecrackers, despite restrictions. People in the national capital violated the mandatory restrictions and burst crackers through the night, which brought down the air quality that already was low.
New Delhi turned into a "gas chamber" as PM2.5 level dipped to 463 at 1100 IST, described as “Severe” according to the federal Ministry of Earth Sciences. Weather Office said, the worsening of air quality is primarily due to firecracker emissions, unfavourable weather and significant spike in stubble burning in the neighbouring states.
PM2.5 refers to atmospheric particulate matters (PM) that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers.
