People walk in front of India Gate, shrouded in thick smog after firecrackers lit up the sky overnight during Diwali celebrations, in New Delhi, Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. Manish Swarup/AP hide caption

Manish Swarup/AP

NEW DELHI — A thick blanket of smog shrouded India's capital Monday after firecrackers lit up the skies over New Delhi during Diwali celebrations, compounding dangerously high pollution levels and intensifying the seasonal air pollution crisis that grips the city every year.

Despite restrictions on fireworks, residents in New Delhi celebrated the Hindu festival of lights with firecrackers on Sunday evening, releasing smoke and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere.…