Fireworks allowed on these dates and times to celebrate Diwali in Mississauga

People in Mississauga celebrating Diwali this week are reminded they may set off backyard fireworks without a permit on Monday and Tuesday nights from dusk until 11 p.m., the city says.

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is one of five holidays/celebrations during the year when Mississauga residents are allowed to stage fireworks displays at home, on their private property, without first having to obtain a city permit. The City of Mississauga’s fireworks bylaw in its current form, enacted in late 2023 to beef up regulations, enforcement and fines, also allows residents to do so on New Year’s Eve/Day, Victoria Day, Lunar New Year and Canada Day.

City officials also encourage people to be safe while using fireworks tonight and tomorrow night to mark Diwali.

“The holiday symbolizes triumph over darkness through colourful lights, candles, lanterns, diyas and fireworks. As preparations for Diwali are underway, the city is reminding residents to follow the fireworks bylaw, related rules and other safety measures when using fireworks at home so that celebrations are safe and enjoyable for everyone,” Mississauga officials said in a news release last week.

Keep fire safety top of mind during your Diwali celebrations.

🪔 Keep diyas, candles and lanterns away from curtains, furniture and décor.
🕯️ Never leave open flames unattended.
🔌 Turn hot appliances off if you leave the kitchen.

Learn more: https://t.co/wcLIVTXrOH pic.twitter.com/eZ7ZZob6KT

— City of Mississauga (@citymississauga) October 19, 2025

City officials note bylaw enforcement officers will be out in greater numbers as residents celebrate Diwali, much like on other holidays.

“This allows for more patrols, improves response time for complaints and helps ensure celebrations stay safe,” the city said. “Enforcement officers will also be on-site with Peel Regional Police at locations where illegal use of fireworks and gatherings are of concern.”

To submit a complaint about illegal use of fireworks, people are asked to call 311 or visit the city’s website.

Meanwhile, city councillors decided last Wednesday not to fully ban fireworks in Mississauga, choosing instead to introduce stricter rules and strengthen education efforts. They had been considering a ban in the face of strong opposition from some members of the public.

Members of Mississauga’s Hindu community expressed concern earlier that a ban on fireworks would have been a form of religious and cultural discrimination that would impact in the years ahead their right to celebrate Diwali.

City council decided earlier this year to revisit the fireworks issue in response to a significant increase in the number of public complaints and challenges associated with enforcing Mississauga’s current bylaw.

Concern for public safety, given misuse of fireworks by some people that has led in recent years to numerous dangerous large gatherings across the city, was also cited as a major concern in a report from senior city staff that recommended a full ban on fireworks that would have taken effect next Jan. 2.

After debating the matter again, councillors decided to go against staff’s recommendation that fireworks be outlawed altogether.