Mississauga Embraces Diwali Celebrations, Rejects Firecracker Ban

In a decision that has pleased the Hindu community in Mississauga, the city council has decided not to ban firecrackers for the upcoming Diwali festival. However, the authorities have introduced a revised bylaw that brings stricter rules to regulate the use of firecrackers.

The new regulations aim to reduce the noise, risk of injuries, and property damage associated with the festival celebrations. Under the revised bylaw, firecrackers can only be burst during specific hours, from 6 pm to 10 pm, on five designated holidays: Lunar New Year, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali, and New Year's Eve. The sale of Roman candles, a type of firecracker that discharges balls or stars of fire, has been banned, and vendors will be required to log inventory and sales data.

The decision to not impose an outright ban on firecrackers was welcomed by members of the Hindu community, who were reportedly present during the city council meeting. As Diwali is just around the corner, the community members expressed their joy and exchanged hugs upon hearing the news.

The new rules were largely supported by the council, with one councillor, Dipika Damerla, pushing for the extended window of 6 pm to 10 pm for setting off firecrackers. However, some councillors did support the restriction on purchasing fireworks on the day of each holiday to prevent last-minute purchases.

The Canadian National Council of Hindus (CNCH) has pledged to help educate the community about the new regulations, ensuring that everyone understands the changes and complies with the revised bylaw.