The BMC on Monday banned fireworks ahead of Diwali and limited the crackers to only sparklers (phuljhadi) and flower pots (anaar) on the evening of Laxmi Pujan, the decision, shopkeepers say, came too late. Most of the firecrackers sellers in the city had already bought their supplies for this festival when the ban was imposed.

The BMC, in its Monday circular, warned of action against the violators under the Epidemic Diseases Act. It has only allowed bursting of mild crackers like phuljhadi and anaar on private premises on the evening of November 14. However, all kinds of firecrackers were being sold in the markets across Mumbai and Thane. mid-day, during the visit to the shops, on Tuesday learnt that the sellers were unaware about the prohibition on bursting crackers this year.