Celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Waterloo Region
Posted Oct 31, 2024 05:27:25 AM.
Last Updated Oct 31, 2024 10:36:18 AM.
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. Those gatherings can have fireworks displays. In recent years, municipalities have been adding Diwali to the list of holidays where fireworks are permitted, joining Canada Day and Victoria Day.
But because Diwali typically lasts a week, the three largest municipalities in the region have designated a specific day for private fireworks displays.
In Cambridge, that night is tonight, October 31. Fireworks are only permitted between dusk and 11 pm. They are prohibited in public spaces like parks and parking lots.
In Kitchener, the bylaw permits Diwali fireworks on Nov. 1. Like Cambridge, they are only permitted between dusk and 11 p.m. and never in public spaces.
Waterloo has a bit more wiggle room. People have the choice of Oct. 31 or Nov. 1. The other rules also apply to Waterloo.
Anyone found violating the bylaws could be subject to fines.
The municipalities are urging everyone to be courteous to neighbours by giving them notice before a display.
Kitchener has faced its fair share of challenges involving fireworks. Victoria Day and Canada Day this year were marred with violent and dangerous incidents in Victoria Park.
A review of the current bylaw is underway. City staff are expected to present their findings to Kitchener City Council in April 2025.
