Delhi Diwali 2026: Supreme Court Allows Green Crackers, Check Date, Time, and Rules

The Supreme Court has allowed certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on 7 and 8 November 2026 (Diwali falls on 8 November), with strict conditions on time, place and sale. Crackers can be burst only from 6 AM to 7 AM and 8 PM to 10 PM, and the complete ban returns on 9 November 2026.

Is Delhi Allowed to Burst Crackers on Diwali 2026?

Yes, but only for a limited time. People can burst approved green crackers on 7 and 8 November in these slots:

• Morning: 6 AM to 7 AM
• Evening: 8 PM to 10 PM

That means just three hours a day. Daytime bursting is not allowed. Traders’ cancelled licences are restored from 4 to 6 November so that approved green crackers can be sold.

Which Firecrackers Are Allowed in Delhi-NCR on Diwali 2026?

Only green crackers approved by CSIR-NEERI are permitted. They emit less pollution than traditional ones but are not pollution-free. Rules for buyers and sellers include:

• Crackers must come in sealed boxes with a batch-specific QR code.
• Barium-based and unapproved crackers are banned.
• Ladis (series crackers) and garlands are banned.
• Sale is allowed only at designated spots, and online sale is prohibited.

Where Are Firecrackers Prohibited in Delhi-NCR on Diwali 2026?

Even in the allowed hours, crackers cannot be burst within 300 metres of:

• Hospitals and nursing homes
• Primary and district health centres
• Old-age homes
• Educational institutions
• Notified silence zones

These areas must be marked and publicised as No-Cracker Zones.

Why Has the Supreme Court Allowed Green Crackers?

Delhi’s winter air quality is already poor, and crackers add to particulate pollution. The Court said authorities had not given enough data to show the full ban was working. It also noted that traditional crackers were being sold as “green” crackers, which the ban was not stopping. A regulated window, it felt, balances festivities with public health.

Authorities must now monitor air quality and file reports with affidavits by 14 December 2026, or face contempt action.

Important Key Facts About Delhi Diwali Firecracker Rules 2026

1. Order by: Supreme Court bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale
2. Diwali 2026: Sunday, 8 November
3. Bursting dates: 7 and 8 November
4. Allowed crackers: only CSIR-NEERI certified green crackers
5. Distance restriction: 300 metres around sensitive places
6. Full ban returns: 9 November 2026