Tamil Nadu limits Deepavali 2026 firecrackers to two one-hour slots

The Tamil Nadu government has allowed people to burst firecrackers on Deepavali 2026 only between 6 am and 7 am and between 7 pm and 8 pm, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

The two-hour window is aimed at reducing severe air and noise pollution while promoting safe community celebrations, according to an official release issued on Tuesday.

The release stressed the collective responsibility to protect the environment. "Deepavali is a festival of lights and family joy that should be celebrated in harmony with nature. We appeal to all residents to celebrate this day by choosing environment-friendly practices rather than high-decibel and smoke-emitting fireworks," it said.

The measure is part of continuing efforts to reduce environmental and public health risks, including land, water and air pollution as well as hearing damage caused by excessive noise.

Following the Supreme Court's 2018 judgment, only reduced-emission "green crackers" can be manufactured and sold.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has launched awareness campaigns through schools, higher education institutions, Eco Clubs, the National Green Corps, local bodies and district administrations to promote compliance, PTI reported.

Authorities have also urged neighbourhood welfare associations to organise community firecracker events in open spaces. The move is intended to encourage shared celebrations while reducing concentrated emissions in residential areas.

The advisory asked people not to use joint or series crackers because they cause extreme noise. Bursting firecrackers near silence zones, including hospitals, educational institutions, courts and religious structures, is prohibited. The ban also applies near fire-prone thatched huts, the release said.

Residents have been asked to follow the two permitted one-hour windows, use green crackers and avoid prohibited areas while celebrating Deepavali 2026.- Ends