Rs 10 crore of firecrackers reach Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar markets as Diwali nears, prices up

With only a few days left for Diwali in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the city's markets have begun to look lively. Fireworks are part of the festival of lamps, and the firecracker market is ready. Firecrackers worth about Rs 10 crore have reached the city's market for sale. Varieties meant to appeal to everyone from children to adults are available, and sellers have made full preparations to welcome customers.

Firecrackers from several companies and at different prices have arrived at the city's sales points. Sparklers, flowerpots (anar), ground spinners (chakri and bhuchakra), rockets, lavangi crackers and Lakshmi bombs, along with colourful fireworks, continue to draw buyers this year. Low-noise crackers that give good light are also available for children. Combo packs of assorted firecrackers are also attracting customers.

According to Gopal Kulkarni, president of the New Maharashtra Firecracker Market Association, the city has 12 firecracker markets in all. This year 218 stalls have been set up in these markets, and goods worth more than Rs 10 crore have arrived for sale in them. Kulkarni said prices of goods from standard companies have risen by 30 to 40 per cent this time. TV Centre, Ayodhyanagari and Kalagram are the three main markets. The others this year include MIT, Chikalthana, Padegaon, Chhavani and Gajanan Maharaj Mandir.

By stall count, Ayodhyanagari has 70, Kalagram 50, TV Centre 40, Beed Bypass 20 and Chhavani 10. Together with the remaining markets, 218 stalls have been set up in all.

Manoj Gayake, president of the Bharat Mata Firecracker Market Association, said firecracker supplies are still arriving. He estimated that by the 5th, firecrackers worth another Rs 8 to 10 crore would reach the city for sale. All of this stock comes from Sivakasi, he said. According to Gayake, stalls have already been set up in the market.

Eco-friendly firecrackers are also finding favour. Given noise and air pollution, awareness of them appears to be growing among customers this time. Some customers are choosing green crackers, which produce comparatively less smoke and noise. With children's safety in mind, parents are leaning towards sparklers, flowerpots and crackers that give light.

Diwali shopping is picking up, and sellers hope crowds at the firecracker market will grow too. A big rise in sales is expected around Lakshmi Pujan and Padwa in particular. Gayake said firecrackers have become 20 to 25 per cent costlier this year, but enthusiasts will still buy. In his view, the effect of the drought is not visible in the urban area.

Diwali begins with Vasubaras, which falls on November 5 this year, just a day away. Kulkarni said sporadic buying of firecrackers has started, but the pace of purchases will pick up from the 5th.