Diwali celebrations underway as firework sales bans loom in Kitchener, Waterloo

CTV’s Alexandra Holyk explains why cultural light shows have limited windows and why two cities are banning fireworks sales.

Fireworks will be on full display Monday night, as millions of people around the world celebrate Diwali.

Known as Deepawali or the “Festival of Lights,” the cultural event spans multiple days and multiple faiths, including Sikhism, Jainism and Hinduism. It represents the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

“As we remove the darkness in our lives, we hope than an emergence will come, a new awakening,” said Dwarka Persaud, president of the Rahda Krishna Mandir and Cultural Centre in Cambridge.

The festival is often marked with candles and firework displays.

“Fireworks are just so visual,” said Persaud. “To celebrate something victorious, you’re doing something that is wonderful and peaceful, and again, celebratory.”

Fireworks have sparked debates in Waterloo Region, with some cities taking steps to restrict them over safety concerns.

Earlier this year, Kitchener and Waterloo moved to ban the sales of fireworks starting in 2026.

“This ban clearly does not make any sense,” said Priyam Vyas, the manager of Pataka Fireworks.

Vyas currently sells fireworks in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph for Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Diwali. He said a sales ban won’t stop people from stockpiling this year or travelling to vendors in other cities in the future.

“If a city is not able to enforce the current law, let’s just kick out the vendor,” Vyas said. “It’s not going to solve the issue here.”

Vyas said he believes education around fireworks is the best way to prevent dangerous situations. He also said he hands out informational pamphlets with every purchase.

Fireworks rules

For this year’s Diwali celebrations across Waterloo Region, fireworks must be used on private property. However, each municipality has different rules for when they’re allowed to go off.

In Kitchener, fireworks are allowed between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday night only.

In Waterloo, the sparkling light displays are allowed Monday and Tuesday, between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

For Cambridge and Woolwich Township, fireworks can be set off Monday night between dusk and 11 p.m.

In the Township of North Dumfries, a permit is required.

Waterloo Regional Police said it is important that residents follow the rules when it comes to fireworks.

“Each municipality within Waterloo Region has its own bylaws that outline when, where, and how personal fireworks can be used, along with any age restrictions. Failure to follow these bylaws can result in fines of up to $1,000, depending on the municipality,” said WRPS in a statement to CTV News.