Varanasi celebrated Diwali with record festivities boosted by tax cuts, while Ayodhya set two world records, though pollution remained a concern.

Varanasi marked Diwali with record-breaking festivities in 2025, fueled by a government GST reduction on sweets, clothes, and fireworks, leading to increased spending and widespread celebrations. Fireworks lit the city from 7 pm to 11 pm, surpassing previous years, while air quality remained moderate with a CPCB index of 118. Ayodhya set two Guinness World Records during Deepotsav by lighting over 26 lakh lamps and hosting the largest Saryu Aarti, symbolizing its cultural revival. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath credited the transformation to current leadership, contrasting it with past neglect. Concerns over pollution persisted, especially in other Indian cities where air quality worsened after Diwali.