Punjab: Firecracker timings for Diwali, Gurpurb, Christmas and New Year; only green crackers allowed

PTC Web Desk: The Moga administration has fixed the hours during which people can burst firecrackers on Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas and New Year. Only green crackers will be allowed and anything outside the given slots will be treated as a violation.

The order has been issued by the Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. It follows the guidelines of the Supreme Court and the Punjab government as well as instructions from the state’s Department of Science, Technology and Environment.

Check the timings

Diwali: 8 pm to 10 pm 
Gurpurb: 4 am to 5 am and from 9 pm to 10 pm 

Christmas: 11:55 pm on the night of December 25 to 12:30 am on December 26

New Year: 11:55 pm on December 31 to 12:30 am on January 1, 2027

Bursting crackers before or after these slots is completely banned. So is using any firecracker that is not a green cracker.

Why the restrictions

The order says the aim is to cut air pollution during the festive season and protect people’s health and safety. Smoke from crackers often adds to the haze in north India as winter sets in, which is hard on children, the elderly and people with breathing problems.

Warning for violators

The Deputy Commissioner has urged residents to celebrate peacefully and in an eco-friendly way and to follow the time limits strictly. Those who break the order will face action under the law.

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