Lucknow, Nov 10 (IANS): Ahead of Diwali, an order prohibiting group gatherings was imposed in the state capital from Friday midnight.

In the order issued by District Magistrate Anurag Yadav, a ban has also been clamped on the bursting and sale of rockets, missiles, 'chatai' bomb and other firecrackers.

Sale of firecrackers within 200 metres of the GPO, Vidhan Sabha area, courts, educational institutions, zoo, nursing homes and hospitals has also been barred.

Firecrackers with more than 125 decibel noise will not be allowed.

People will only be allowed to burst crackers between 6-10 p.m.

The temporary shops selling fire crackers will be allowed to do business between 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov 11, 12, 14 and 15 and between 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov 13, the Diwali day.

The authorities have, however, lifted the mandatory weekly closure of markets on account of Diwali.

An official communique said that markets which remain closed every week Sunday, Monday and Tuesday will remain open this week. They would, however, have to close their shops coming Friday.