No firework displays in Ottawa for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights
October 31 this year marks an interesting cultural intersection.
It is both Halloween, celebrating all things that lurk in the shadows, and it’s the start of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
Families celebrating Diwali will be gathering over the next week and those gatherings can not have fireworks displays in the nation’s capital.
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“There is no planned review of the By-law this term of Council. As such, those celebrating would be required to adhere to the current by-law,” a city of Ottawa spokesperson said. “Changes will be considered during the development of the next term of Council By-law Review Work Plan.”
In recent years, municipalities like Mississauga and Waterloo Region have been adding Diwali to the list of holidays where fireworks are permitted, joining Canada Day and Victoria Day.
Anyone found violating the bylaws in Ottawa could be subject to fines.
