FIRECRACKER BURSTING
India revels in Diwali celebrations; crackers contribute to 'very poor' Delhi air
On Sunday, Diwali celebrations were held across India, with various leaders participating in customary rituals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the festival with security personnel in Chhattisgarh, marking a new era free from Naxalism. In Delhi, strict measures were taken to ensure compliance with safety regulations regarding firecrackers during the festivities. Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi worsened due to pollution from celebrations and stubble burning.
Delhi govt urges citizens to burst only green crackers, stick to specific timings: Check permitted time, restricted areas and other key details
Delhi pollution news: Delhi government has outlined restrictions on firecracker use for the upcoming Diwali festival. Green firecrackers will be allowed only on specific dates and times in November. The sale is limited to certified green firecrackers at authorized locations only. Violators of these regulations may face penalties and confiscation of illegal products. Supreme Court has mandated these conditions to reduce pollution and noise during the celebrations.
Diwali 2026: Delhi Metro to commence services at 6 am on select routes; check new timings here
Delhi Metro has announced earlier train services on select lines for Diwali festivities. Trains on the Pink Line, Magenta Line, and Grey Line will begin operations at 6 am. Regular services will continue according to the Sunday timetable after the early start. Last trains from all terminal stations will depart at 10 pm on Sunday. This revised schedule aims to accommodate commuters during the festive occasion.
Choti Diwali in North vs South India: 5 Traditions That Will Surprise You, From Ganga Snanam to Evening Diyas
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is celebrated with strikingly different customs across India. While many North Indian families observe it with evening diyas, traditional baths and preparations for Lakshmi Puja, several South Indian communities celebrate Deepavali itself with pre-dawn oil baths, new clothes, festive breakfasts and firecrackers. Here are five traditions that reveal how differently the same festival is experienced across the country.
Bombay HC asks BMC to restore Dia Mirza’s Diwali video, questions politicians’ remarks
The Bombay High Court asked BMC to restore Dia Mirza’s Diwali video after BJP leaders objected to her inclusion in the civic body’s anti-pollution campaign. The bench questioned the remarks against the actress, saying it was disturbed by the comments and asking whether India was not a secular country.
Green crackers: Where can you buy them in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad? How to identify if it is real or polluting cracker?
Green crackers list: Green crackers are low-emission fireworks developed to reduce air and noise pollution compared with conventional firecrackers. With the Supreme Court allowing their use in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, 2026, consumers are looking for authorised markets to purchase them ahead of Diwali. These crackers use a modified chemical composition and are designed to reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 30% and gaseous emissions by 10%.
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Bombay HC invokes secular spirit, slams 'petty mindset', says restore Dia Mirza clip
The Bombay High Court expressed discontent over the removal of Dia Mirza's eco-friendly Diwali campaign video. Political objections led to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's decision to delete the clip. The court emphasized the need for a secular approach in environmental awareness efforts. Justice Gokhale criticized local politicians for not advocating for environmental issues effectively.
SC flags sale of firecrackers despite restrictions, asks Centre to ensure compliance
The Supreme Court of India has called for strict enforcement of firecracker restrictions in Delhi-NCR. This decision follows a report revealing ongoing sales of both licensed and unlicensed firecrackers. While green firecrackers can be sold and burst on specific dates, the court has mandated designated 'no-cracker zones' around sensitive locations. Authorities must mark and publicize these areas to ensure compliance.
Bombay HC slams row over Dia Mirza's Diwali video, directs BMC to re-upload clip
The Bombay High Court expressed discontent over the removal of Dia Mirza's video promoting an eco-friendly Diwali. This decision came after objections from certain political figures who labeled the campaign as anti-Hindu. The court emphasized the message was important for environmental awareness, irrespective of individual beliefs. Consequently, the court ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to restore Mirza's video on social media.
Delhi-NCR gets two days of green crackers as Supreme Court caps bursting at three hours a day and sets 300-metre no-cracker zones
The Supreme Court has authorized the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on specific dates. Firecrackers can only be burst within designated time limits on November 7 and 8. Certain areas, including hospitals and educational institutions, will be declared as 'No-Cracker Zones' to ensure safety. Manufacturers must comply with specific certifications to produce authorized firecrackers during this period. A complete ban on all firecrackers will resume after November 8.
Severe Cyclone Murasu: 19 flights cancelled across 3 Andhra airports
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to impact Andhra Pradesh, resulting in significant flight cancellations. At least 19 domestic flights have been canceled across Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam airports. Major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express have announced several flight cancellations. The storm is anticipated to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast during the night between November 2 and November 3.
Pumpkin in laddoos? Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone’s nutritionist, shares healthy festive recipe for Diwali
As Diwali draws near, it brings with it opportunities for joyful feasting. Celebrity nutritionist Yasmin Karchiwala presents a delightful twist on traditional treats with her pumpkin laddoos. Combining almond flour and pumpkin purée, these healthier desserts offer indulgence without guilt. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, this recipe transforms festive gatherings into a celebration of both taste and well-being.
Diwali firecracker curbs: SC sets two time periods for fireworks, bans bursting near hospitals
The Supreme Court has permitted the use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali on specific dates. Firecrackers must not be used near hospitals, old-age homes, or designated silence zones. The court mandated that only certified green firecrackers may be manufactured and sold. Strict measures against unauthorized firecracker sales will be enforced to manage pollution concerns. A complete ban on firecrackers will be reinstated after November 9, 2026.
BMC takes down actor Dia Mirza's pollution-free Diwali video after BJP leader's objection
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation removed a video featuring Dia Mirza promoting an eco-friendly Diwali. This decision followed objections from BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam regarding the video’s message. Other campaign videos from different celebrities remained on social media despite the backlash. Opposition leaders criticized the removal, claiming it reflected increasing BJP influence over civic operations.
Dia Mirza's Diwali video row explained: Why BMC deleted Bollywood actress' pollution-free video
Dia Mirza recently faced controversy after her Diwali video message was reportedly removed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The video featured her urging citizens to avoid bursting firecrackers due to pollution concerns. BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam criticised her involvement, claiming locals do not need advice from outsiders. Read on to know what happened next.
Lighting lives beyond Diwali: How everyday Indians are making a difference through giving
An RBI officer, a Bengaluru retailer, a safari lodge owner and a 24-year-old money coach tell us how giving a little, steadily, lights someone else’s life, long after Diwali.
Not inclined to completely ban firecrackers, says SC; stresses implementation of orders
The Supreme Court expressed reluctance in imposing a complete ban on firecrackers during a recent hearing. The bench indicated that effective enforcement of existing orders is crucial for addressing air pollution issues. Measures taken by the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management were discussed during the proceedings. The court encouraged utilizing prominent personalities for public awareness regarding firecracker regulations.
Bengal warns of strict action for firecracker norms violations, urges people to exercise restraint
The West Bengal government is initiating strict measures against firecracker violations during Kali Puja and Diwali. Authorities emphasize the importance of self-awareness and adherence to pollution-control guidelines this festive season. Residents are urged to respect silence zones near sensitive locations like hospitals and old-age homes. Vigilance will be heightened for illegal firecracker sales and safety inspections at firecracker markets.
Bombay HC says ban on firecrackers on roads applicable throughout year
Ahead of Diwali, the Bombay High Court has extended its firecracker ban to public roads year-round. The court emphasized the harmful effects of toxic pollution on senior citizens and children. Authorities are now required to issue notices prohibiting firecracker use in public areas. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board must also promote awareness about these health risks.
SC calls for safer firecrackers, voluntary restraint over curbs
The Supreme Court called for a balanced approach to firecracker usage during discussions on air pollution. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized public awareness and self-restraint over enforceable restrictions. Discussions included concerns about health risks particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The bench suggested promoting safer alternatives to highly polluting firecrackers during festivals.
Tamil Nadu: Sivakasi firecracker units ramp up production ahead of Diwali amid labour shortage
Firecracker units in Tamil Nadu’s Sivakasi are ramping up operations ahead of Diwali as orders rise, but manufacturers and workers report production remains below last year due to labour shortages, regulatory restrictions and green-cracker norms. Workers say the slowdown has hit incomes and household expenses in villages where fireworks remain a key livelihood.
Consider relaxing firecracker noise limit curbs before Diwali: SC to CPCB
The Supreme Court asked the CPCB to explore partial relaxation of firecracker rules. This request came during a hearing on Delhi's pollution menace. The court urged the Centre to consider some exceptions for the upcoming Diwali season. Previously, the court had banned firecrackers due to rising air pollution levels. Last year, green firecrackers were permitted for a limited period.
Courts, lawyers can't enforce SC orders on firecrackers ban, social awareness needed, say experts
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who represents the main petitioner Arjun Gopal and others seeking a ban on the sale and manufacture of firecrackers, meanwhile, has decided to move a contempt petition in the top court against the law enforcement agencies for the flagrant violation of the court's recent order.
Diwali: Ludhiana imposes time restrictions on bursting firecrackers
The Ludhiana administration has issued an advisory permitting the use of firecrackers during Diwali, Guruparva, and Christmas. Firecrackers can be ignited within specified timeframes, with the aim of ensuring safe and eco-friendly celebrations. Burning firecrackers outside the designated times and within 100 meters of specific institutions is prohibited.
Despite ban, firecrackers burst in many parts of Delhi on Diwali night
Delhi's air quality turned 'very poor' on Monday amid an increase in stubble burning, bursting of firecrackers and moderately unfavourable meteorological conditions which allowed accumulation of pollutants. However, the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) of 312 was still the second-best for Diwali in seven years. The city recorded an AQI of 281 on Diwali in 2018. Earlier in the day, experts feared that if the volume of firecrackers burst goes up again this year, the air quality would dip further.
2-hr window for firecrackers in Jharkhand
In a bid to restrict air and noise pollution, the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) has issued an order, allowing bursting of firecrackers for two hours from 8 pm on Diwali, an official said on Sunday.
Cracker ban not enough, action against continuous sources of air pollution needed: Environmentalists
Announcing the ban on firecrackers, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday said an action plan will be drawn up with the city police, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the revenue department to ensure strict enforcement of the ban. He further said this time, there will also be a ban on the online sale and delivery of firecrackers in the city.
Despite ban, people in Delhi burst firecrackers on Diwali
In a blatant disregard to the state government's ban, the people in Delhi were openly seen bursting crackers, thereby contributing to the already poor air quality in the national capital. Visuals of people bursting firecrackers surfaced from Delhi's Barapullah flyover, Adhchini and Greater Kailash among other areas.
50 lakh kg of crackers burnt in Delhi this year: Report
It equates to 1,50,000 kg of mass of PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres).
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