If firecracker shop owners are to be believed, Diwali has become quieter over the years. Instead of the ear-splitting ‘Sutali’ and ‘Laxmi’ bombs, people have shifted towards fancy noiseless fireworks.
The demand for noisy firecrackers has reduced by 80% over the last few years, according to the traders. Contrary to what it was 5 years ago, the market is now flooded with fancy and colourful firecrackers rather than the noisy ‘bombs’.
Devram Satkar, who is in the business for the last 40 years said, “Of the firecrackers in the market, only 10% are noisy like the ‘Sutali’ bomb. The remaining 90% comprise multi-shots and other crackers which are noiseless or less noisy.”
His shop, Rast Dar Fataka Bhandar at Mhatre bridge, showcases a variety of crackers that send an array of colours into the air. The price ranges from Rs100 to Rs5,000. “Adults prefer these crackers. If they at all buy noisy ones, it’s for children, those too less noisy,” he said.
The traders attribute the trend mainly to awareness about noise pollution and lack of space to blow noisy crackers. Deepak Belhe of Sukrut Fataka Bhandar said, “The sale of noiseless crackers, such as chakra and flower pots, is high. There are a variety of noiseless crackers for children, therefore people generally go for the less noisy ones,” he added.
Multi-shots, 50-shots, three-piece fancy, African Delight, Ice Cool and other fireworks that emit colourful lights are in the market. For children, Crackling Bullets, Butterfly with multi-colours, fancy chakras and firepots of various sizes are available.
The customers stress on fancy crackers, felt Prashant Joshi of Brahmachaitanya Fataka Bhandar. “We are trying to give them crackers which have fancy lights when lit, those are in demand,” he said.
However, the prices of crackers have gone up by 30% over the last couple of years, which the shopkeepers fear will affect sales. This year the rain too is playing spoilsport in the festive season and sales are yet to pick up.
