Just before Diwali last year, India’s top court ruled only “green crackers” that emit fewer pollutants could be used.

But although the police tried to enforce the new rules, most people set off the old type regardless.

Confusion still surrounds the regulations, but signs in Sivakasi district, which in past years supplied 90-95 percent of India’s firecrackers with revenues of around $800 million, suggest the 2019 blowout will be quieter.

“Usually after Diwali the people come to us and place orders for the next Diwali and even give some advance payment,” said D Mathan, director of Lima Fireworks — one of around 1,000 manufacturers in Sivakasi.