India regulates how loud firecrackers can be. Under the Environment (Protection) Rules, firecrackers must not exceed 125 dB(AI) or 145 dB(C)pk at a distance of 4 metres from the point of bursting. This is a manufacturing standard — crackers louder than this cannot legally be made or sold.
What 125 dB feels like
Decibels are logarithmic: every 10 dB rise is roughly a doubling of perceived loudness. Normal conversation is around 60 dB. At 125 dB, sound is painful at close range and can damage hearing, which is why the limit is measured at four metres — and why you should be further away than that.
Silence zones
Under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, the area within 100 metres of hospitals, educational institutions, courts and notified religious places can be declared a silence zone. Bursting crackers there is not allowed.
Joined crackers
The Supreme Court's 2018 order also restricted joined firecrackers (series crackers or "laris") because they produce prolonged noise and smoke.
Being a considerate neighbour
- Keep sound crackers to the permitted timings.
- Avoid bursting near homes with infants, elderly people or patients.
- Choose light-based items — flower pots, chakkars, sparklers and colour aerials — which give more to look at and less to complain about.
- Protect your own ears: stand well back and cover children's ears.
All products in our catalogue are made to comply with the noise standards. Read more in our fireworks guide.
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