WITH the approach of Diwali, the State has imposed strict guidelines on celebrants in a bid to safeguard the six-day long festivities.
Principal assistant secretary Security and Intelligence Division of the Defence ministry, Viliame Wilikilagi yesterday confirmed the State's endorsement for the six-day Diwali celebrations.
He said Diwali celebrations would begin on November 8 and end a day after the actual festival.
Diwali is an annual calendar event for Fiji and will be celebrated this year on November 13.
Mr Wilikilagi said between November 8 to 14, firecrackers could be used from 5pm to 10pm and from 5pm to 12 midnight on Diwali day.
"Firecrackers should only be used under adult supervision and persons under the age of 18 cannot purchase them," he said.
Mr Wilikilagi said firecrackers which had large quantities of gun powder were illegal and could not be sold.
"Companies that are importing firecrackers have sent a list including the firecrackers that will be imported and the lists have been vetted by the Mineral Resources Department," he said.
Mr Wilikilagi said under government's legal notice 131 of 2006, those who failed to adhere to the directives imposed by the ministry would be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $400 or imprisonment not exceeding six months.