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NEW DELHI: This Diwali, Sadar Bazar, once Delhi's bustling wholesale hub for crackers, is witnessing a quieter season. The narrow lanes of Old Delhi's famous market, usually alive with the loud bang of firecrackers and the sharp smell of burnt sulphur, now shimmer with tinsel, diyas and paper lanterns. Yet, there's a noticeable absence of the traditional fireworks that once marked the festive season. Traders in Sadar Bazar are reporting poor sales as most customers now opt for decorative lights, diyas, and candles, rather than the fireworks that once made the area a hotbed of Diwali festivities. "Sab green hai ab," says 48-year-old Rajesh Arora, a local trader, pointing to his shelves stacked with boxes of "green" crackers. But for many, the term 'green' is unclear. "Green matlab colour green?" a young boy asks his father, confused by the unfamiliar term. The government has mandated the sale of only green crackers, which are supposed to emit 30% less particulate matter and noise. However, in the narrow lanes of Sadar, where the cracker trade has flourished for decades, the phrase "green crackers" raises more questions than answers. The only products on sale are Pop-Its -- small, colourful balls that make a popping sound when thrown to the ground -- and a few "bidi patakhas" or cigarette-like sticks that crackle when flung. Traditional fireworks such as rockets, chakris, and anars are noticeably absent from the shelves.
New Delhi: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) put out a public notice on Sunday and asked the city residents to report any cases of firecrackers being stored, sold, manufactured, or used in Delhi. The decision came after a blanket ban put in place by the Delhi government on December 19, 2024, based on the direction of the Supreme Court. The notice said, "As per the order from the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India dated November 4, 2024, the Delhi government gave directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, on December 19, 2024. The order puts a complete ban on ...Read More >
Lucknow, Sep 13 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government has begun preparations to make Deepotsav 2025 in Ayodhya a grand and divine event, officials said on Saturday. The tourism department will illuminate the ghats of the Saryu river and Ram Ki Paidi with over 26 lakh diyas. "This sea of lamps will symbolise Lord Ram's arrival in Ayodhya, spreading the light of faith among countless devotees," a statement said. A special highlight will be a pollution-free green fireworks show on October 19. Designed to meet international standards, the 10-minute display will be a fusion of music, laser effects, ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 29: This Diwali, OyeGifts, a leading name in the gifting industry, brings to you exceptional express Diwali hampers that are truly a celebration of tradition and that of thoughtful gifting. The inclusion of fresh flowers amidst gifts for the season of lights, is a careful blend of convention with that of modern elegance for the matter. The brand's new collection of Gift Hampers for the upcoming festival is to present an assortment of traditional sweets, colourful flow ...Read More >
New Delhi: Deteriorating further, the city's air quality worsened within the poor category on Wednesday, even as the pollution models indicated that the air quality index would turn very poor even before Diwali.The average AQI was 233 at 4pm against 211 on Tuesday. According to weather analysts, while the mornings are likely to turn misty or foggy and winds calmer, the share of stubble burning to the city's PM2.5 levels is expected to rise from less than 1% to over 4% by Friday. This may lead to AQI deteriorating faster than expected, they added. AQI between 301 to 400 is considered very poor ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) issued a public notice on Sunday, requesting citizens to report any instances of storing, selling, manufacturing, or bursting firecrackers within Delhi. The notice is based on the permanent firecracker ban implemented by the Delhi govt on Dec 19, 2024, in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines."In compliance with the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India order dated Nov 4, 2024, the govt of NCT of Delhi issued a direction under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 on Dec 19, 2024, for imposing a complete ban on the manufacturing, ...Read More >
New Delhi: What was being discreetly sold under the table just two days ago is now out in the open. With the Supreme Court permitting the sale of green crackers, hundreds of shoppers poured into the narrow lanes of Old Delhi on Wednesday in anticipation of purchasing firecrackers. However, as per the apex court's order, the sale is officially allowed only from Oct 18 to 20.Traders are now faced with the question of implementation as well as logistics. Harjeet Singh Chhabra, general secretary, Sadar Nishkam Welfare Association, said even though the ban has been lifted, what qualifies as a 'gree ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Gifting stores across the city have seen a sharp drop in corporate Diwali orders this year, with companies slashing budgets and scaling down on festive spending. Retailers report that while the season remains busy, the mood is far more restrained compared to previous years.Traditional favourites such as sweets, diyas, and dry fruits continue to find a place in corporate hampers, but in smaller quantities. Silver coins, once a Diwali staple in bulk orders, almost disappeared this year. "Silver coins and premium dry fruit assortments used to be the highlight of most corporate hampers. ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Three days after exempting majority of the coal- and lignite-based thermal power plants (TPPs) in India from installing key anti-pollution equipment that could have helped them meet the sulphur dioxide standards, the Union environment ministry on Monday sought to justify its move saying the current exposure levels provide no credible evidence to suggest that SO₂, under prevailing ambient conditions, is a major public health concern.It said any revision to SO2 standards must be driven by its actual contribution to PM2.5 levels and its corresponding health burden.Flagging a detailed s ...Read More >
India's top court on Wednesday permitted the use of some firecrackers in New Delhi during the Diwali festival, easing a blanket ban even as the capital battles unhealthy winter air pollution. The Supreme Court said the controlled use of the less-polluting "green firecrackers" -- developed by federal research institutes to reduce particulate and gas emission -- would be allowed for limited periods between Saturday and Tuesday. During Diwali, a major Hindu festival of lights, widespread bursting ...Read More >
New Delhi, Oct 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian experts on Thursday shared some professional tips to capture diyas and candles beautifully on the iPhone 17 series, without blowing out the highlights this Diwali. Photographer Bobby Roy said the Night Mode in iPhone 17 series is one of the best tools to achieve that. "With 48MP HEIF MAX, try to bring out the fine textures of lights, and festive decor by using the best quality that the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max provides. You can surely use the Portrait mode for that perfect for soft, cinematic moments and pooja portraits," he advised. Also, use the beau ...Read More >
Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], October 18 (ANI): The Sikkim Pollution Control Board on Saturday issued an order prohibiting the manufacturing, sale, and bursting of all types of sound and light-emitting firecrackers in the state ahead of Diwali, which falls on October 20. The Sikkim Pollution Control Board on Saturday issued an order prohibiting the manufacturing, sale, and bursting of all types of sound and light-emitting firecrackers in the state ahead of Diwali, which falls on October 20. In its order, the Pollution Control Board urged citizens to refrain from using firecrackers and single-use ...Read More >
The Sikkim Pollution Control Board (SPCB) on Saturday issued an order banning the manufacture, sale, and use of all types of sound- and light-emitting firecrackers in the state ahead of Diwali, which falls on October 20. In its directive, the SPCB urged citizens to avoid firecrackers and single-use plastics, promoting eco-friendly alternatives such as light displays and other environmentally conscious ways of celebrating the festival. Meanwhile, in Aligarh, the firecracker market has opened ahead of Diwali, with shoppers gradually visiting stalls at Numai Ground. Various firecrackers are on ...Read More >
Prayagraj: Police on Sunday arrested five persons and seized around 1,400 kg of illegal firecrackers worth lakhs of rupees from three separate raids and checking in Handia, Jhunsi and Kaudhiyara areas of district.In Handia police arrested three men, including two brothers, for storing firecrackers illegally at a storehouse in Baraut block and seized over 977.360 kg of illegal firecrackers worth Rs 8 lakh. The three accused were booked under section 288 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section ...Read More >
A prominent Indian tech firm has gone viral for its generous Diwali gift to employees. Videos from Info Edge employees have flooded Instagram over the last two days, showing the Diwali gifts they received from the company. Each Info Edge employee received a set of VIP suitcases, a box of snacks, and a diya from the tech firm. Dozens of videos showing the gifts have surfaced online, while hundreds of Instagram users have reported seeing these Reels while casually scrolling the photo and video sha ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 18 (ANI): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Saturday announced revised train timings for Diwali, with early morning services on the eve of the festival and curtailed operations on the night of Diwali. As per the announcement, on the eve of Diwali, Sunday (October 19), metro services on the Pink, Magenta, and Grey lines will commence at 6 am instead of the usual 7 am, which is the standard start time for Sundays. The change has been implemented to accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger movement ahead of the festival. Also Read | Diwali 2025 Bank ...Read More >
Deepotsav 2025: Ayodhya is gearing up for one of its most spectacular celebrations yet as preparations for Deepotsava 2025 gather pace. Scheduled for October 19, this year's festival will feature an international-standard green fireworks display, choreographed with music and laser effects, while more than 26 lakh diyas illuminate the ghats of the Sarayu River. The 10-minute aerial show, designed with eco-friendly technology, is set to rise over 200 metres into the night sky, blending tradition w ...Read More >
Meanwhile, Delhi experienced partially cloudy skies on Friday, with no rainfall recorded. (File) ShowQuick Read Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed * Rainfall and winds helped Delhi avoid a sharp pollution rise after Dussehra celebrations * Delhi's 24-hour average AQI was 88 on Friday, categorised as satisfactory * Post-Dussehra pollution spikes have been common, with AQI exceeding 200 in recent years Did our AI summary help? Let us know. Switch To Beeps Mode New Delhit: A combin ...Read More >
Stage I of GRAP is implemented when the AQI exceeds 200. Stage II (Very Poor) comes into effect when it crosses 300, Stage III (Severe) at levels above 350, and Stage IV (Severe Plus) when the AQI goes beyond 400. New Delhi: Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'poor' category for the first time this season with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 211 on Tuesday ahead of Diwali. It forced Commission for Air Quality Management to impose stage I of Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) in Delhi-NCR. The ...Read More >
New Delhi, Oct 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Delhi Assembly complex on Friday came alive with festive decorations and celebrations as Speaker Vijender Gupta extended Diwali wishes and urged people to celebrate the festival in an environment-friendly manner. Gupta said that Diwali is a festival that celebrates light, goodness, and new beginnings -- and it should also inspire responsibility towards our environment and society. He emphasised that while the city shines with festive lights, every citizen must ensure that the celebrations do not add to Delhi's pollution crisis. "This Diwali, let us ill ...Read More >
India's Diwali sales hit a record high of Rs 5.40 lakh crore in goods and Rs 65,000 crore in services. This represents a 25 percent increase over last year. GST reforms and strong consumer demand fueled this growth. Brick-and-mortar stores saw a significant revival. Rural and semi-urban areas contributed substantially to the sales surge. Buoyed by GST reforms and strong consumer demand, India saw Diwali sales reach Rs 5.40 lakh crore in goods and about Rs 65,000 crore in services across the coun ...Read More >
Violators face legal action under Environment Protection Act The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has announced a comprehensive and immediate year-round ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and bursting of all types of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This new directive, issued as a public notice on Sunday under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, applies to all individuals, organisations, and institutions, requiring strict compliance. ...Read More >
Chennai: As high as 99% of all the goods which were earlier in the 12 per cent GST bracket have now been brought down to the 5 per cent GST bracket, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Sunday. She made the remarks while addressing a joint conclave of the Trade and Industries Association, titled 'Tax Reforms for Rising Bharat' in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The sweeping GST rationalisation and reforms unveiled after the GST Council meeting on September 3, once implemented, are expected to bring about a massive change across the country, directly impacting India's 1.4 billion citizens. The tax cu ...Read More >
Lucknow: Adding a green touch to Diwali celebrations, the LMC will sell over 30,000 eco-friendly Gomai (cow dung) diyas and Ganesh-Lakshmi idols made from cow dung this festive season.The diyas, crafted at Kanha Upvan, will be available in packs of 4, 10, 20, and 300 from Oct 15. According to LMC's animal welfare officer Abhinav Verma: "The civic body aims to exceed last year's sale through its Kanji Houses located in Thakurganj, Rae Bareli Road (PGI campus), Sugamau Road (Jarhara, Indira Nagar), ...Read More >
New Delhi, Oct 18 (PTI) The sale of green firecrackers began in the national capital on Saturday after the Supreme Court allowed their sale and use under certain conditions, bringing cheer to traders who reported a steady flow of customers through the day. Traders who had applied for licences to sell eco-friendly firecrackers received approvals earlier in the day. Markets across the city, including Sadar Bazaar, saw increased activity as residents rushed to them to make their purchases. Paramjeet Singh Pamma, president of the Sadar Bazaar Traders' Association, said traders were prepared to mee ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said the government plans to approach the Supreme Court to seek permission to allow the use of certified green firecrackers to celebrate Diwali in the national Capital. Reiterating the government's commitment towards taking measures to check air pollution in the city, CM Gupta said, "It will also be ensured that all green firecrackers are manufactured only by authorised institutions and have been certified and tested by competent and relevant departments." "The government believes that a balance between public sentiments and environmental ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday said the Supreme Court's decision to permit green firecrackers during Diwali would be implemented with strict monitoring to prevent any violation of its conditions. He announced that district magistrates will soon designate specific areas for the sale of eco-friendly firecrackers and issue temporary licenses to retailers, while ensuring that banned varieties stay out of the market. Welcoming the court's order, Sirsa said the move would allow people to celebrate Diwali responsibly without compromising public health. "We ...Read More >
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 17 (ANI): With the Diwali festival just around the corner, the firecracker market is all set to light up Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal with vibrant colors, sparkling displays, and the growing demand for eco-friendly green fireworks. Firecracker shop owners in Bhopal's biggest market, Bairagarh have fully prepared them for the festive season by observing complete precaution and safety measures. The Fire Control team also inspected the market on Friday and gave necessary instructions to them. Former President of Bairagarh's Wholesale Fireworks Sellers ...Read More >
Hyderabad: With Diwali around the corner, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) across Hyderabad are tightening regulations on firecracker use to ensure a cleaner, quieter festival.Notices issued to residents this week permit only eco-friendly "green crackers" and restrict their use to a one-and-a-half-hour window in the evening. Several RWAs have also banned high-decibel and aerial fireworks, citing health and safety concerns for children, senior citizens, and pets in the city.Speaking to TOI, Sai Ravi Shankar, president of the Federation of Gated Communities, Cyberabad, explained, "We have st ...Read More >
Dhanteras trade in India is expected to surge past Rs 1 lakh crore. Gold and silver sales alone could reach over Rs 60,000 crore nationwide. Consumers bought gold, silver, utensils, electronics, and vehicles. Delhi's bullion markets saw a 25 percent rise in sales compared to last year. Reductions in GST rates and the 'Swadeshi Aapnao' campaign boosted festive trade. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has estimated that trade across India on the occasion of Dhanteras is expected to cro ...Read More >
Ahmedabad: Ahead of Diwali festival, the city police on Tuesday issued a notification with regard to the sale and use of only green firecrackers within Ahmedabad limits from Oct 19 to Nov 5. The order, signed by police commissioner G S Malik under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and provisions of the Gujarat Police Act, follows Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal directives aimed at reducing air and noise pollution.The order states that only firecrackers certif ...Read More >