Ujjain AQI Drops to Moderate After Diwali Smoke: What Pilgrims Should Know

Ujjain AQI drops from post-Diwali hazardous levels

Ujjain's air has cleared significantly after the post-Diwali smog that pushed the city's Air Quality Index into hazardous territory. On 11 November 2026, the AQI stands at 85-90, in the "Moderate" category — down from 304 just a day earlier and from readings above 1,500 on the night of 9 November. Pilgrims planning darshan at Mahakaleshwar Temple can now step out with fewer respiratory concerns, though sensitive groups should still take basic precautions.

What the numbers show

NDTV's AQI tracker puts Ujjain at 85 (Moderate) on the morning of 11 November, with PM10 as the lead pollutant. IQAir, drawing from two Central Pollution Control Board stations, reads 90 (Moderate) at 2:30 PM IST, with ozone as the main pollutant at 131 µg/m³. The aqicn.org monitor at Mahakaleshwar Temple shows PM2.5 at AQI 9 and PM10 at AQI 21, all CPCB-sourced data. These figures mark a sharp turnaround from 10 November, when Dainik Bhaskar reported Ujjain's AQI at 304 after Diwali firecrackers, and from 9 November, when independent monitors logged readings above 1,500 — well into the hazardous range.

What this means for temple visitors

For guests staying at Hotel Shrimmaya and visiting Mahakaleshwar Temple, the cleaner air means outdoor activities — the Bhasma Aarti queue, the Ram Ghat walk, the temple market circuit — are far more comfortable than they were right after Diwali. The Moderate category means air quality is acceptable for most people, though unusually sensitive individuals may still experience minor effects. We recommend checking the day's AQI before stepping out for early-morning darshan, and carrying a mask if you or anyone in your group has asthma or respiratory sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Ujjain's AQI today? A: As of 11 November 2026, Ujjain's AQI is in the Moderate range — NDTV reports 85 and IQAir reports 90, both drawing from CPCB monitoring stations.

Q: How much has the AQI dropped? A: From 304 on 10 November (Dainik Bhaskar) and hazardous readings above 1,500 on 9 November (independent monitors), the index has fallen to 85-90 by 11 November.

Q: Is it safe to visit Mahakaleshwar Temple now? A: Yes. The Moderate category is acceptable for most visitors. Sensitive groups — children, the elderly, and anyone with asthma — should limit prolonged outdoor exertion and consider a mask.

Q: Where can I check live AQI for Ujjain? A: NDTV's AQI tracker, IQAir's Ujjain page (two CPCB stations), and the aqicn.org monitor at Mahakaleshwar Temple all show live readings.

Q: Will the AQI stay low? A: AQI changes daily with weather, wind, and local activity. Check the latest reading before planning outdoor temple visits.

Sources: Dainik Bhaskar (Ujjain AQI hits 304 after Diwali), NDTV (Ujjain AQI today), IQAir (Ujjain air quality), aqicn.org (Mahakaleshwar Temple AQI). Figures are as reported by each outlet; we do not independently verify monitoring data.