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Mississauga mulls fireworks ban ahead of Diwali festivities
Hindu Advocacy groups have decried the proposed ban as an attack on the "dignity of cultural expression".
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Fri, 26, Sep 2025
- 01:34 EDT
- 25
Representative image / Pexels
The City of Mississauga in Canada is debating a reworking of its fireworks laws, potentially threatening the region's Diwali celebrations.
The city, in late 2023, had brought to effect the Fireworks Licensing and Use By-law, aimed at regulating the sale and use of fireworks in Mississauga. The law requires individuals or organizations to obtain a permit from the Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services for use of fireworks, even on private property.
However, the 2023 law had provided for permit-free fireworks use on Diwali and four other special days including Lunar New Year, Victoria Day, Canada Day and, New Year’s Eve.
The city is currently considering the possibility of ending this special exemption. In March 2025, the city conducted a public survey to gauge public opinion on the issue. The feedback received from the residents was reviewed and results were presented before the General committee in May 2025.
ALSO READ: Ohio Hindu parents must request Diwali leave within 14 days of school starting
Considerations including people's experiences with fireworks, priorities about fireworks-use and feedback on the rules for using fireworks in Mississauga were re-evaluated.
This move, however, has caused panic among the Hindu community members in the city and has invited sharp criticism from advocacy groups in the country.
CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) Canada lashed out against the potential changes to the law and said, "a proposed fireworks ban by @citymississauga Mayor @carolynhparrish may threaten to silence a core part of this tradition, right before Navratri and Diwali".
It further asked, "In one of Canada's most diverse cities, why are Hindu Canadians being asked to dim their light?"
GTA Hindus Protest against proposed Fireworks Ban by Mississauga
— CoHNA Canada (@CoHNACanada) September 24, 2025
️ Date: Wednesday, 1 October 2025
️ Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Mississauga City Hall
RSVP / More Info: https://t.co/KJ9nZTIVbG
Diwali is the festival of light, prayer, and community. It’s the… pic.twitter.com/qvFBxuWi1L
The Canadian Organization For Hindu Heritage Education (COHEE) also decried the proposal and said "Diwali is not just a date on the calendar; it is the season of light, devotion, and togetherness. It is the sparkle in our children’s hands, the warm flicker of diyas in our homes, and the vibrant skies that remind us of our roots and resilience."
It added, "As COHHE, we will always stand for Dharma, for heritage, and for the future memories our children deserve to inherit."
In an attempt to tip the decision in the favour, CoHNA has called for a protest at the Mississauga City Council on Oct. 1, at 12:00 PM EDT.
Appealing for support, it said, "We are calling on all Hindus in the GTA to join us at Mississauga City Hall. This is our chance to ensure our voices are heard before a decision is made."
CoHNA described the potential ban as an attack on the "dignity of our (Hindu community in the region) cultural expression."
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