Hindu and Sikh groups want fireworks bylaw changed for Diwali

Hamilton’s Hindu and Sikh communities are looking to change the city’s fireworks bylaw to accommodate for Diwali, the “festival of lights.”

While thousands of Hamiltonians every year celebrate the Hindu holiday, the current bylaw restricts the use and sale of fireworks to Victoria Day, Canada Day and the two days before and after those holidays. 

Local community members are looking to change what they are calling an outdated regulation.  

“The definition is called ‘festival of lights.’  Without that component of light, Diwali has no or very little meaning,” said Nithy Ananth, president of the Hindu Samaj Temple of Hamilton and Region.