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The Supreme Court has allowed firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali this year, but with conditions. Only certified green crackers are permitted, and their sale and use come with specific rules on when, where and how they can be used. Come November 9, the ban’s back up, and until then, it’s certainly not a free-for-all. Here’s everything you need to know.
To finish up your Diwali shopping, check out our guide to the best Diwali melas in the capital.
What kinds of firecrackers are allowed in Delhi this Diwali 2026?
Only certified green firecrackers. On November 2, the Supreme Court permitted their use in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
What counts as a 'green' cracker?
Only products approved by CSIR-NEERI (the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), and sold with the necessary licences.
And when can I buy them?
Sales are permitted from November 4 to 6. Online sales are prohibited, and physical sales are restricted to designated locations.
How do I know what I'm buying is legit?
Check the QR code. Each box must carry a product-specific one, which lets you look up the manufacturer, NEERI registration, licence details, formulation and test certificate. Delhi Police have also asked buyers to scan the code to verify certification and batch details.
When can I burst crackers in Delhi?
You’re permitted November 7 and 8, 2026, in two windows each day: 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm. A complete ban returns from November 9 onwards.
Where can I burst crackers in Delhi?
Seemingly, you can burst crackers anywhere except areas that are within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and notified silence zones. The same applies to educational institutions.
These will be declared 'No-Cracker Zones', marked on the ground and published.
Are there any crackers that are still off-limits?
Yes. Firecrackers joined in a series (laris) and anything containing barium aren't permitted.
Okay, but are green crackers actually cleaner?
Cleaner than conventional ones, yes. Harmless, no. They still release pollutants. The difference is in the formulation. Under CSIR-NEERI's standards, a certified green cracker must cut particulate matter emissions by at least 30 per cent compared with a conventional cracker of the same category. The alternative is a cut of at least 20 per cent in particulate matter plus at least 10 per cent in gaseous emissions.