Diwali Crackers 2025: Celebrating Safely and Responsibly
As Diwali 2025 approaches, the excitement for the festival of lights is building. For many, the joyous celebration is incomplete without the dazzling spectacle and nostalgic sounds of crackers and fireworks. They are a traditional expression of the happiness and excitement that mark the victory of light over darkness.
However, in recent years, there has been a significant and much-needed shift in how we celebrate. With growing concerns about air and noise pollution, the focus has moved towards a more responsible and mindful celebration. This guide will walk you through the most popular types of Diwali fireworks, the rise of eco-friendly “green crackers,” and the essential safety tips you must follow to ensure your festival is both happy and safe.
The Most Popular Diwali Crackers
These are the classic fireworks that have been a part of Diwali celebrations for generations.
- Sparklers (Phuljhadi): The quintessential Diwali cracker, beloved by children and adults alike. These handheld sticks emit a shower of beautiful golden or colored sparks.
- Ground Spinner (Chakri or Zamin Chakkar): A small, circular firework that is placed on the ground. When lit, it spins vigorously, creating a mesmerizing wheel of sparks and light.
- Flower Pots (Anar): These conical fireworks are placed on a flat, stable surface. When lit, they erupt in a fountain of colourful sparks, resembling a blooming flower. They come in various sizes, with some producing multi-coloured and crackling effects.
- Rockets: Rockets shoot up into the sky before bursting into a beautiful pattern of stars. While spectacular, they are also one of the more hazardous types of fireworks and must be handled with extreme care.
- Sound Crackers (Lakshmi Bomb, Atom Bomb): Note: The production and sale of high-decibel sound crackers are now banned or heavily restricted in many parts of India, including here in Hyderabad. Always purchase crackers that adhere to the legal sound limits.
- Garlands / Chains (Ladi): Long strings of small firecrackers that go off in a rapid, continuous series, creating a loud, crackling sound.
The Rise of Green Crackers: A Responsible Choice
The most significant development in the world of fireworks is the introduction of “green crackers.” These are not green in color; they are eco-friendly. Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-NEERI), green crackers are designed to have a much smaller environmental impact.
What makes a cracker “green”?
- They reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 30%.
- They are formulated without harmful chemicals like barium nitrate.
- The sound they produce is limited to a much lower and safer decibel level (around 110-125 dB, compared to over 160 dB for traditional crackers).
- Many variants, like SWAS, have a unique feature that releases water vapour, which helps to suppress the dust.
How to Identify Green Crackers: Look for the official CSIR-NEERI logo and a unique QR code on the packaging. Scanning the QR code will provide details about the manufacturer and the chemical formulation. Here in Hyderabad, licensed shops in areas like Begum Bazar and other designated markets are now stocking these certified green crackers.
Essential Safety Tips: The Golden Rules for a Safe Diwali
Celebrating with fireworks is fun, but safety must always be the number one priority.
- Buy from Licensed Sellers Only: Never purchase fireworks from unlicensed, roadside vendors. Always buy from a reputable, licensed shop to ensure the products are of good quality and meet safety standards.
- Celebrate in Open Spaces: Never light crackers indoors or in confined spaces. Use an open field, a park, or your terrace, far away from any flammable materials.
- Keep a Bucket of Water Handy: Always keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Avoid wearing synthetic clothes like nylon or polyester, as they can easily catch fire. Opt for thick cotton clothing instead.
- Supervise Children at All Times: Never allow young children to handle or light fireworks on their own. Adult supervision is absolutely mandatory.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Light from crackers at arm’s length, and keep a safe distance from them once they are lit.
- Do Not Tamper: Never try to re-light a firework that didn’t go off. Wait for at least 15-20 minutes and then douse it in water.
- Protect Your Pets: The loud noises and bright flashes can be extremely stressful and terrifying for animals. Keep your pets indoors, in a quiet and secure room, during the time fireworks are being burst.
- Follow the Timings: The Supreme Court and local authorities have set specific time windows for bursting crackers, typically from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Diwali night. Respect these timings to minimize disturbance.
Diwali is a festival of joy and light. By choosing eco-friendly options and following these simple safety precautions, we can ensure that our celebrations are a source of happiness for everyone, without causing harm to our environment, our community, or our loved ones. Wishing you a very Happy and Safe Diwali!