What is Air Pollution? Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air we breathe, including smoke, dust, toxic gases, and chemicals . During festivals, air pollution often increases sharply due to certain activities that release pollutants into the atmosphere. How Festivals Contribute to Air Pollution Firecrackers (e.g., Diwali, New Year’s Eve) Release toxic gases like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and heavy metals. Increase levels of PM2.5 and PM10 (tiny