• Source:JND
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Diwali 2025 Canada:  The city of Mississauga in Canada has decided not to impose a ban on fireworks ahead of the festival of Diwali, a move that the local Hindu community has welcomed. During a general committee meeting on Wednesday, October 15, the decision was made and follows the city's tradition of allowing fireworks for some holidays.

The city council, as per media reports locally, will table an updated bylaw that has tightened rules to lower noise, injuries, and property damage. Though fireworks will still be allowed, the regulations will now have restricted timings of bursting crackers, restrictions on sales, as well as bans on specific categories of firecrackers like Roman candles, which release stars or balls of fire at regular intervals.

What's In The New Fireworks Restrictions?

Under the updated bylaw, residents will be allowed to burst fireworks on five designated holidays: Lunar New Year, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali, and New Year’s Eve. The permitted timing has been set from 6 PM to 10 PM on all days, except New Year’s Eve when fireworks can be set off from 11 PM to 1 AM. Additionally, licensed vendors will be required to log sales and inventory, and fireworks will not be sold on the day of the holiday to prevent last-minute purchases.

Councillor Dipika Damerla, who was a major mover in changing the timing from 8 PM to 6 PM, also resisted the prohibition on same-day purchases. But the motion received support from some other councillors as a compromise between concerns over safety and cultural tradition.

Hindu Community Reacts Positively

The city’s Hindu population has widely welcomed the decision. Ruchi Wali, General Secretary of the Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNCH), said her organization would educate the community about the new rules, ensuring residents are aware of the changes while celebrating safely.

Earlier, Hindu groups had protested the proposed ban, describing it as a targeted move against Hindu Canadians during Diwali. The Hindu Canadian Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus of North America criticized Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, claiming the proposal undermined cultural traditions and faith-based celebrations.

“In one of Canada’s most inclusive cities, why are Hindu Canadians being asked to dim their light? This is the time to celebrate our culture and heritage,” the Coalition of Hindus in North America stated.

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Mississauga originally enacted the Fireworks Licensing and Use By-law in 2023, requiring permits for fireworks even on private property but permit-free on Diwali and other holidays. Commissioner of Community Services Raj Sheth, in a recent report, recommended an outright ban from January 2, 2026, based on public safety and air pollution concerns, like other municipalities such as Brampton, Caledon, and Milton, which have enacted complete bans.

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Thus for now, the Hindu community and city residents can celebrate Diwali 2025 with fireworks, albeit under stricter regulations to ensure safety and cultural continuity.

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