Diwali falls on November 8, 2026 and the Supreme Court has allowed temporary relaxation in firecracker restrictions in Delhi-NCR. The court allowed sale and bursting of certified green crackers for a limited period (with time limits, places etc specified) but with conditions.
Under the new rules, people can burst approved green crackers on November 7 and 8 during two time slots. But from November 9, complete ban on firecrackers will return.
The decision allows a limited easing of restrictions but retains safeguards to control air pollution and protect public health.
When Can People Burst Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR?
The Supreme Court has allowed bursting of certified green crackers on November 7 and November 8, 2026.
Residents must follow these permitted time slots:
- Morning: 6 am to 7 am
- Evening: 8 pm to 10 pm
Firecrackers cannot be burst after these hours during the two-day break.
The permission applies only to approved green crackers; normal firecrackers and unauthorised products are still banned.
Complete Firecracker Ban Returns From November 9
The relaxation will end on November 8. The Supreme Court has ordered complete ban on firecrackers from November 9, 2026.
This means residents cannot continue bursting green crackers after the permitted period even if the products have valid certification.
The restriction applies across Delhi-NCR and forms part of the court’s directions on manufacture, sale, storage and use of firecrackers.
Where Can People Buy Green Crackers?
The Supreme Court ordered the sale of green crackers approved by it to only those locations identified by district administration.
District Collectors and Commissioners will, in consultation with the police authorities concerned identify authorised sale locations across Delhi-NCR.
The following conditions apply:
- Green crackers can be sold only in certain places.
- Online sale and purchase of firecrackers is banned.
- Sale through unauthorised shops or locations is not permitted.
- Authorities will inspect products and check QR codes on the products.
- Traders must comply with the licensing and other conditions set out in the court’s order.
The temporary restoration of some previously cancelled trader licences will only be for November 4 to November 6 in order to sell approved green crackers.
QR Codes and Certification Mandatory for Green Crackers
The court has made product specific QR codes mandatory for green crackers sold during the permitted period.
Each box must have a non-transferable QR code with information such as:
A) the brand name of the product;
B) details of how to use the product (e.g. instructions);
C) information on ingredients used in the product;
D) whether the product is suitable for vegetarians;
E) whether the product is suitable for people with food allergies.
Manufacturer details
CSIR-NEERI registration
PESO or District Magistrate licence information
Product formulation
Relevant test certification
The QR code will help authorities check if the product is genuine and authorised for sale.
Only manufacturers with valid certification from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) can manufacture the approved products covered by this order.
Manufacturers are allowed to produce only those green crackers listed on the CSIR-NEERI website during the period from November 2 to 6.
Which Firecrackers Are Prohibited?
The Supreme Court has upheld restrictions on some types of firecrackers.
The following products are not permitted:
- Conventional firecrackers not approved green crackers.
- Firecrackers containing barium.
- Products that are not approved by CSIR-NEERI.
- Firecrackers strung together, also called ‘ladis’ or garlands.
- Green crackers without product-specific QR codes.
- Boxes containing approved green crackers must be completely sealed so that they are not mixed with conventional or unauthorised products.
No-Cracker Zones Around Hospitals and Other Sensitive Areas
The Supreme Court has also prohibited bursting of firecrackers within 300 metres of sensitive locations.
These include:
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Primary and district health centres
- Old-age homes
- Educational institutions
- Notified silence zones
These areas should be identified and declared as No-Cracker Zones. Authorities have been asked to mark the restricted areas and make information about them available to public.
Residents should check local notices before bursting even approved green crackers.
What action will authorities take against violations?
The Supreme Court has asked district administrations and police authorities across Delhi-NCR to ensure that temporary relaxation is not misused.
Enforcement measures include:
- Regular inspections at authorised sale locations.
- Random verification of QR codes on green cracker boxes.
- Illegal and conventional firecrackers confiscated.
- Checks on vehicles entering Delhi-NCR to prevent unauthorized products being brought into the region.
- Prosecution of manufacturers and traders who violated the directions.
- Monetary security requirements for manufacturers and traders which may be forfeited if they are not met.
Authorities have also been asked to form patrol teams and display information on allowed products, sale locations, times and penalties.
How Will Authorities Monitor Pollution During Diwali?
The Supreme Court has asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in consultation with state pollution control boards to monitor air quality before, during and after Diwali.
The monitoring exercise will cover three periods:
- Pre-Diwali: November 2 to November 6
- Diwali: November 7 and November 8
- Post-Diwali: November 9 to November 30
Authorities have also been asked to collect sand and water samples for comparison.
The court has directed the concerned authorities to clear and dispose of festival related waste. Areas where pollution is higher will also require cleaning (water sprinklers etc).
GRAP Stage II Restrictions Also Continue Across Delhi-NCR
Apart from the directions on firecrackers, Delhi-NCR is also facing separate air pollution control measures.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across NCR on November 2 after Delhi’s AQI moved to very poor category.
These measures include dust control activities, road cleaning, sprinkling of water and stricter monitoring of construction and demolition sites.
Residents should know that GRAP restrictions and Supreme Court firecracker directions are two sets of measures. The temporary permission to burst certified green crackers does not cancel other applicable pollution-control restrictions.
Delhi-NCR Diwali 2026 Firecracker Rules at a Glance
- Diwali date: November 8, 2026
- Permitted crackers: Only approved and certified green crackers
- Permitted dates for bursting: November 7 and 8
- Morning timing: 6 am to 7 am
- Evening timing: 8 pm to 10 pm
- Authorised sale: Only at designated locations
- Online sales: Prohibited
- QR code: Mandatory on every approved green cracker box
- Restricted areas: Within 300 metres of specified hospitals, educational institutions, old-age homes and notified silence zones
- Complete ban restored: November 9, 2026
The temporary relaxation gives Delhi-NCR residents a limited window to celebrate Diwali with green crackers but dates, timings, product certification and sale locations must strictly be adhered to. From November 9 complete ban on firecrackers will come into effect.
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