Diwali 2026: SC green cracker norms, permitted time slots and other directions

On 2 November 2026, the Supreme Court described the bursting of firecrackers during Deepavali as a “religious practice”, allowing the use of green firecrackers for two days, 7 November and 8 November, in Delhi-NCR.

Unregulated use of firecrackers during Deepavali has historically led to a spike in air quality index (AQI) and pollution levels, including particulate emissions, the court observed. “The right of an individual to engage in a certain practice which may have a religious color is only qualified and cannot go beyond constitutional limitations,” the Supreme Court said.

State failure

The state has “totally failed” to comply with Supreme Court orders issued since 2015 to impose restrictions on fireworks, the Bench said. In fact, the situation did not improve even after the complete ban on firecrackers was reintroduced. A significant increase in AQI levels was observed on Dasara and the following day. The “complete ban” not only facilitated the illegal sale of firecrackers but also prevented people from buying permitted green crackers, the court said.

The court had earlier suggested that the government appoint celebrities like cricketer Virat Kohli to spread awareness about the harmful effects of firecrackers.

In October 2025, the Supreme Court allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Deepavali under conditions aimed at balancing tradition with environmental and health concerns. The court then made it clear that the use of green biscuits would be limited to certain hours on the day of the festival and its eve.

Time slots to crack cookies

The court allowed bursting of certified green firecrackers between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM and between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM on November 7, 2026 and the day thereafter in the Delhi Capital Region (Delhi-NCR).

“There shall be no discharge of fireworks within 300 meters of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old age homes and any notified quiet zones. These areas shall be declared ‘crack free zones’ and shall be marked on the ground and posted,” the court said in its 23-page order. The same restriction would apply to educational institutions.

“We are aware that the celebration of Deepavali has religious, social, psychological and emotional connotations among the people and creates a positive atmosphere of hope, well-being and prosperity. As stated earlier, allowing the degradation of the environment resulting in the health of all living beings defeats the very purpose of the festivities and would render the celebrations pointless,” the Bench reasoned.

Instructions for green firecrackers

In a series of directives, the court ordered that only manufacturers certified by CSIR-NEERI (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) and PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization) would be allowed to manufacture green crackers between November 2, 2026 and November 6, 2026. Cracker boxes and cracker boxes would be segregated from unauthorized or unauthorized crackers.

There would be no production or sale of firecrackers connected in series (ladis) and garlands. Only firecrackers bearing product-specific QR codes would be allowed to be sold. Canceled dealer licenses will be temporarily restored from November 4, 2026 to November 6, 2026. Manufacturers and dealers of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR are required to post a monetary bond, the amount of which will be determined by the authorities.

What are green firecrackers?

Green firecrackers are designed to cause less air pollution. According to the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) team that developed them, these firecrackers emit 30% less particulate matter or alternatively 20% less particulate matter and 10% less gaseous emissions than regular firecrackers in the same category.

Fuel and oxidizer proportions were adjusted to improve combustion efficiency, dust suppression additives were introduced, and certain metals were reduced.

CSIR-NEERI has developed three types of green firecrackers: Safe Water Releaser (SWAS), whose ingredients release water vapor to suppress some of the particles produced during combustion; Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR), which uses a thermite-based formulation to achieve higher combustion efficiency and lower emissions; and Safe Minimal Aluminum (SAFAL), which contains less aluminum and consequently produces lower emissions.

Restrictions on the sale of non-certified cookies

SWAS, STAR and SAFAL green firecrackers can each be used in different types of fireworks, including sparklers and flower pots.

All Green Firecracker products carry the CSIR-NEERI logo on the packaging and a QR code to verify product certification. Although they produce lower emissions than conventional crackers, they are not pollution free. Their emissions include fine particles, harmful gases and other combustion by-products that affect respiratory and cardiovascular health. They also create noise pollution.

Sale of green firecrackers will be allowed from November 4 to November 6, while bursting will be allowed only on November 7, 2026 and November 8, 2026 between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM and between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, according to Delhi Police. Ladis and crackers containing banned chemicals such as barium salts will not be allowed.

Published – 7 Nov 2026 07:00 IST