With the Diwali weeks away, the Hindes in Mississauga, in Canada, gathered on Thursday to oppose the proposed ban on fireworks and “protect (their) right” to celebrate the festival of lights “dignified”.
In response to the challenge of the Canadian chapter Hindu coalition in North America (COHNA), more than 100 Canadian Hindus wrapped the Mississauga town hall.
“Diwali is a festival of light, prayer and community. It is a laughter in the eyes of our children when it lights up with a sparkler, the glow of Diy in our homes and an explosion of colors in our sky, which refers to our most sacred celebration,” read Cohna.
“In one of the various cities of Canada * Why are the Hindu Canadians asked to ease their light? * … is it time to stand up for our Dharma, our culture and memories of our children,” he added.
Given that the community members pushed back against the proposed ban, the city council postponed a vote on the proposal until October 15.
“You have sent a loud and clear message: the number of our votes. It depends on our traditions. And our culture will not be erased. And it worked. The council postponed the vote until October 15,” Cohna said, “But it is not over.
What are the current regulations on the use of fireworks in Mississauga?
Currently, consumer fireworks are banned in Mississauga for most of the year, but certain exceptions are allowed for several hours for great holidays such as Diwali, The Lunar New Year and New Year’s Eve.
A new proposal, which originally hovered in May this year, would spread to become a ban on year -round, without exception to the holidays.
If approved, it would enter into force in January 2026 and ban the use and sale of fireworks individuals, with only professional fireworks, subject to the approval of the fire and emergency services of Mississauga.
While the municipal authorities stated that the proposed ban aimed to address environmental concerns and reduce complaints and recovery costs, Hinda claims that this prevents their rights to celebrate Diwali, where lights and fireworks are an integral part of the festivities.
CBC reported Last year there were 609 complaints against the use of fireworks, almost three times from 2022. The authorities also claim that fireworks related problems are probably also insufficiently announced.
(Tagstotranslate) Mississauga
