Largest city-run fireworks show planned for Diwali Mela celebration in Brampton

Plans are underway for Brampton’s biggest and most bombastic fireworks display for the city’s first Diwali Mela celebrations.

The city is holding a huge celebration Sesquicentennial Park in November for Diwali, the Festival of Lights celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists across the world.

This year Diwali falls on the evening on Nov. 12, and Brampton will be celebrating with live music and performances from local and international artists, free family-friendly events, food vendors and a 15-minute fireworks display – the largest and most spectacular of any city-run pyrotechnics show.

2023 marks Brampton’s first Diwali Mela but is the second year for the city-run fireworks display for the festival following increased complaints in recent years, as Diwali is often celebrated with fireworks. But Brampton’s blanket ban on all personal pyrotechnics last year has the city reminding residents not to set off their own fireworks during Diwali or at any time.

Under the new rules, fines for setting off fireworks in Brampton are $500 and the penalty for selling fireworks has gone up to $1,000.

The celebration will run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 12 at Sesquicentennial Park with limited parking available on-site for on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Related: Diwali fireworks advisory issued in Brampton and Mississauga despite warnings of discrimination

Due to the large scale of the event, Countryside Drive will be closed from Bramalea Road to Sunny Meadow Boulevard from 2 p.m. to 11:55 p.m.
to ensure the safety of residents and event guests.

Attendees are encouraged to walk, ride their bikes, take public transit or a free Brampton Transit shuttle to the event. Shuttles will run every 30 minutes starting at 4 p.m. from four locations across Brampton:

• Mount Pleasant GO Station
• Sheridan College
• Gore Meadows Community Centre
• Save Max Sports Centre

For more information on the Brampton Diwali Mela visit www.brampton.ca.