Tamil Nadu Announces Strict Two-Hour Firecracker Window for Deepavali 2026

Residents of Tamil Nadu will have only two hours to burst firecrackers on Deepavali 2026, with the state government restricting celebrations to specific morning and evening slots to minimise air and noise pollution.

According to an official announcement issued on Tuesday, November 3, people will be allowed to burst crackers only between 6 am and 7 am and 7 pm and 8 pm on Deepavali. The restriction is part of the state's efforts to promote safer and more environmentally responsible celebrations.

The government has urged residents to celebrate the festival while being mindful of the environmental and public health consequences of excessive fireworks. Air, water and land pollution, along with hearing damage caused by loud crackers, remain key concerns behind the restrictions.

The announcement follows the Supreme Court's 2018 judgment, under which the manufacture and sale of firecrackers are restricted to approved green crackers designed to reduce emissions.

To ensure compliance, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has launched awareness campaigns through schools, colleges, Eco Clubs, the National Green Corps, local bodies and district administrations.

The authorities have also encouraged neighbourhood welfare associations to organise community firecracker celebrations in open spaces, allowing residents to celebrate together while limiting pollution in residential areas.

The advisory specifically cautions against bursting joined or series crackers, which can produce dangerously high noise levels. Firecrackers are also prohibited near silence zones, including hospitals, educational institutions, courts and places of worship.

Additionally, bursting crackers near thatched huts and other fire-prone locations has been prohibited to prevent accidents.

The government has appealed to residents to embrace environmentally friendly celebrations and make Deepavali a festival of lights without compromising public health and safety.