Bengaluru celebrated a remarkably cleaner and quieter Deepavali in 2025, with significant improvements in air quality and a noticeable reduction in noise pollution compared to the previous year, according to the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). The city’s residents embraced the festival with a newfound environmental consciousness, resulting in a healthier and more serene celebration.

On October 20, 2025, the first day of Deepavali, Bengaluru’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeted to an impressive 77, a stark contrast to 153 recorded in 2024. This represents a staggering 98% decrease in pollution levels, signaling a major win for the city’s environmental efforts. Key monitoring stations across Bengaluru, including Hebbal, NIMHANS, and Silk Board, reported substantial declines in air pollutants. For instance, the AQI at the city railway station dropped from 130 in 2024 to 104 in 2025. Even more striking, NIMHANS saw its AQI fall from 121 to 44, while Hebbal’s AQI improved dramatically from 263 to 74, showcasing a citywide commitment to cleaner air.

Noise pollution, a persistent concern during festive seasons, also saw a decline this Deepavali. Data from six monitoring stations indicated that the average ambient noise level on Sunday, October 19, 2025, was 63.95 decibels (dB), down from 68.6 dB in 2024. The downward trend continued on Monday, with the city’s average noise level dropping to 63.5 dB from 67.03 dB the previous year. Areas like Basaveshwaranagar and BTM Layout recorded significant reductions in noise levels, while Yeshwanthpur and Domlur maintained stable, near-unchanged levels. This reduction in noise pollution contributed to a more peaceful festive atmosphere for Bengaluru’s residents.

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SS Lingaraja, member-secretary of KSPCB, attributed these improvements to a combination of strict enforcement of environmental regulations and effective public awareness campaigns. “The data reflects a positive trend in air quality and noise levels on the first day of Deepavali,” Lingaraja stated. He highlighted the pivotal role of green crackers, which produce fewer pollutants and less noise compared to traditional firecrackers, in driving these improvements. The widespread adoption of eco-friendly practices by residents and businesses alike has evidently paid off, setting a promising precedent for future celebrations.

The success of this year’s Deepavali underscores Bengaluru’s growing commitment to sustainable festivities. The KSPCB’s efforts, coupled with community participation, have paved the way for a cleaner and quieter festival, proving that tradition and environmental responsibility can coexist. As the city continues to balance celebration with sustainability, Bengaluru’s Deepavali 2025 stands as a shining example of progress in urban environmental management.

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