An attempt has been made to investigate changes in the characteristics of aerosol optical properties induced during Diwali/ New Year celebrations of 2012 over an urban city, Ahmedabad (India). Ground based measurements of average Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) were carried out using a Microtops-II at Physics Department, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad during 10 th to 16 th Nov, 2012. AOD on the day just after Diwali is found to increase significantly; around 75% compared to pre-Diwali days for visible wavelength, remained at higher level for one more day (next day of New Year). Turbidity factor (β) also changed considerably, to a high value of 0.34 on the next day of Diwali, indicating a significant increase in aerosol loading associated with Diwali/ New Year festivities. Normal anti-correlation between Angstrom exponent (α) and turbidity parameter (β) is not seen on days following Diwali. The AOD and β values in the evening of the next day of Diwali increased to about 164% and 171% respectively compared to pre-Diwali days evenings; such an increase associated with the festivities has not been reported at any part of the country. Spectral variation of AOD also shows a significant change in the pattern during following two days of celebrations compared to pre-Diwali days. It is seen to follow power law more closely. Significant increase in AOD and change in spectral pattern suggest an increase of fine/accumulation mode particles due to Diwali/ New Year festivities.