Tamil Nadu limits Diwali firecracker bursting to two one-hour slots
The state government has designated specific morning and evening windows to reduce air and noise pollution during the festival.
The Tamil Nadu government has permitted the bursting of firecrackers for Deepavali 2026 only during two one-hour windows, according to a Moneycontrol report.
The allowed timings are from 6 am to 7 am and from 7 pm to 8 pm. An official release issued on Tuesday stated the two-hour window aims to curb air and noise pollution while encouraging safe, community celebrations.
The release appealed to residents to choose environment-friendly practices instead of smoke-emitting and high-decibel fireworks to celebrate in harmony with nature. This move is part of efforts to reduce health and environmental hazards, including air, water, and land pollution, as well as hearing damage.
Following a 2018 Supreme Court judgment, the manufacture and sale of firecrackers are restricted to green crackers with reduced emissions. Authorities have also prohibited bursting crackers near silence zones, such as schools, colleges, hospitals, courts, and places of worship.
Authorities are urging neighbourhood welfare associations to organise community firecracker events in open spaces to keep local pollution down. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has launched awareness campaigns through local bodies, district administrations, eco clubs, and educational institutions.