Fireworks, firecrackers at wedding celebrations cause public distress

HYDERABAD:

The use of fireworks and powerful firecrackers during wedding celebrations has once again increased in Hyderabad, leaving residents disturbed, frightened and concerned about their safety.

Loud explosions can be heard across neighbourhoods late into the night as wedding processions increasingly feature indiscriminate fireworks, explosive firecrackers and vehicles equipped with high-powered sound systems playing music at excessive volume.

Despite growing public complaints, the district administration and police have yet to take effective action to address the situation.

The wedding season is currently underway in Hyderabad, with marriage and reception ceremonies taking place at banquet halls, wedding venues, residential streets and neighbourhoods. Events such as mayun, mehndi, weddings and walima receptions are being organised across the city.

However, the increase in celebrations has also brought back the practice of setting off fireworks and powerful firecrackers during wedding processions, particularly by influential families and members of certain communities. The sudden and extremely loud explosions have caused considerable anxiety among local residents.

In previous years, media reports highlighting these issues prompted the district administration to introduce restrictions, including fixed timings for wedding ceremonies at marriage halls and banquet facilities. Authorities also imposed restrictions on fireworks, explosive firecrackers and vehicles fitted with high-powered sound systems.

This year, however, no clear schedule for wedding functions has reportedly been announced, nor have effective restrictions on fireworks, firecrackers or excessively loud music been enforced.

As a result, wedding processions are leaving homes at increasingly late hours, often accompanied by vehicles fitted with powerful speakers. In some cases, these vehicles accompany the groom throughout the procession, playing loud music from departure until arrival at the wedding venue and during the return journey after the bride's departure.