State-Specific Guidelines for Deploying Firecrackers on Diwali 2023

Diwali has traditionally been associated with festive parties, vibrant rangoli designs, and the crackling sound of firecrackers. However, because air pollution has been increasing, officials have banned firecrackers in the previous few years. The Supreme Court said in an order this year that firecrackers are prohibited during Diwali, although it made it clear that this prohibition only applied to those that include barium and other prohibited substances. Following the directive, state governments all throughout the nation chose to give citizens some holiday on Diwali, but they also stipulated what kinds of firecrackers would be permitted.

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These are the Diwali firecracker regulations broken down by state

Punjab: Beginning with Diwali, the Bhagwant Maan government has permitted the selling and bursting of green firecrackers during the holiday season. According to environment minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, believers may blast green firecrackers on Diwali from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Guruparv from 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Additionally, the ruling states that firecrackers are permitted on Christmas Eve from 11.55 p.m. to 12.30 a.m. On New Year’s Eve, the same regulation will be observed. The minister further declared that the sale of any crackers online will be prohibited, along with the use of chorsa garland firecrackers.

Uttar Pradesh: The selling of firecrackers has been outlawed by the police in the nearby cities of Noida and Ghaziabad, which are home to the national capital Delhi. According to the state administration, selling green crackers will only be permitted if the air quality index (AQI) is at a satisfactory level.

Delhi: In an effort to reduce wintertime pollution, the Delhi government has outlawed the production, storage, sale, and bursting of firecrackers—including green ones—in the city until January 1, 2024. The police have apprehended a man from the Kotla Mubarakpur neighborhood of south Delhi and confiscated forty kg of firecrackers.

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Jammu and Kashmir: Within five kilometers of the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LOC), the sale and usage of firecrackers is immediately prohibited by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

Telangana: On Diwali, the Hyderabad police have only permitted the popping of firecrackers for two hours. Sandeep Shandilya, the commissioner of police in Hyderabad, has issued an order stating that firecracker noise levels during these two hours must not exceed the allowable range. The limitations will take effect on Sunday, November 12 at 6 a.m. and last until Sunday, November 15 at 6 a.m.

Maharashtra: The state does not have a prohibition on firecracker explosions. On the day of Diwali, the Bombay High Court has issued an order permitting the setting of firecrackers for three hours, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tamil Nadu: On the day of Diwali, the state administration has permitted the popping of green crackers. Considered the fireworks capital of India, Sivakasi, has seen a shift in firecracker manufacturing over the past few years. Manufacturers now use green crackers instead of barium chloride, adhering to the Supreme Court-approved formula. Nonetheless, controlling the unorganized sector is a difficult task.

West Bengal: Only green firecrackers are now permitted to be sold by the state government. Additionally, there will be two hours on Diwali from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Chhath Puja from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the opportunity to pop green crackers will be open for 35 minutes, from 11:55 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.