As Diwali approaches, the excitement of illuminating the night sky is undeniable. But for residents in bustling metro cities, celebrating with firecrackers requires extra care. Here is what you need to check to ensure a safe and responsible festival.
Prioritise 'Green' and Legal Crackers
Since a Supreme Court order in 2018, only 'green crackers' are permitted for sale in many parts of India. These were developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) to be less polluting. They are designed to reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 30 percent and do not contain banned chemicals like barium nitrate. To identify genuine green crackers, look for two things on the box: the official CSIR-NEERI green logo and a scannable QR code. Using the 'CSIR NEERI Green QR Code' app, you can scan the code to verify the manufacturer's details and confirm its authenticity. A box with a logo but no QR code, or a code that does not lead to a verification page, is a major red flag.
Check Your City’s Latest Rules
Firecracker regulations are not uniform across the country and can be highly specific to your city. Metro areas, particularly Delhi-NCR, have historically faced stringent rules, including outright bans or severely restricted timings, due to severe air pollution. As of late 2026, the Supreme Court has favoured a balanced approach, ruling out a blanket national ban but also rejecting unrestricted use, pointing towards specific time windows. For example, the Bombay High Court has directed a year-round ban on bursting firecrackers on public streets in Mumbai. It is crucial to check the latest circulars from your local municipal corporation, police department, or state pollution control board for the confirmed timings and rules for Diwali 2026, as these can be updated close to the festival.
Buy Only From Licensed Sellers
Always purchase your fireworks from government-licensed shops. Avoid roadside stalls or unverified online sellers, as they may be dealing in illegal, conventional, or counterfeit crackers that are far more dangerous. Licensed vendors are accountable for the products they sell, ensuring they are sourced from legitimate manufacturers who adhere to safety norms set by bodies like the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The packaging should clearly mention the manufacturer's name and address. Loose crackers sold in plain bags are best avoided as they lack any information about their origin or safety compliance.
Prepare a Safe Bursting Zone
Before you begin, select a safe location. This must be an open outdoor space like a park or empty ground, far from buildings, vehicles, overhead electrical wires, and flammable materials like dry grass. Never light firecrackers indoors, on balconies, in stairwells, or on public roads. Before starting, prepare for emergencies. Keep at least one bucket full of water and another with sand readily available. This is not just for accidents; used and misfired crackers should be doused in water to ensure they are fully extinguished before disposal.
Follow Essential Safety Practices
Your attire matters. Wear close fitting cotton clothes and closed toe footwear. Avoid synthetic fabrics like silk or polyester, as they can catch fire easily. Use a long incense stick (agarbatti) or a sparkler to light crackers from a safe, arm's length distance. Never bend over a firecracker while lighting it. Once lit, move away immediately. It is critical that children are supervised by adults at all times. Do not allow them to handle firecrackers on their own, and ensure they watch from a safe distance. Also, be mindful of pets, who can be severely distressed by loud noises; keep them indoors and comfortable.
Know What Not to Do
Some actions are extremely dangerous and must be avoided. Never try to relight a 'dud' or misfired cracker; wait for at least $15$-$20$ minutes before approaching it, and then carefully place it in a bucket of water. Do not ever hold a firecracker in your hand while lighting it (with the exception of sparklers, handled with care). Attempting to modify crackers, light them inside containers like bottles or cans for a louder sound, or throwing them at people or animals is reckless and can cause severe injury. Finally, never carry fireworks in your pocket.
