Mumbai: Fireworks that emit light and colour score a march over smoke and sound

MUMBAI: Sporadic bursts of colourful light enveloped the city skyline Thursday as the festival of Diwali approached. Customers are displaying a steady preference for 'green' crackers, which in common parlance involves less smoke and noise output.

Crackers that emit bright lights as they soar into the sky are a popular choice. Loud bombs are virtually passe.

Minesh Mehta, general secretary of the Mumbai & Thane District Fireworks Dealers Welfare Association, said, "Business is faring well. But nowadays, buyers all arrive in crowds during the final week leading up to Diwali. The reason is shorter Diwali vacations as well as lingering rain. As for trends, colourful crackers are popular. In fact, large manufacturers are making more than 60-70 fancy aerial items solely for children called drone, helicopter, dragonfly, Ravan, monkey, Power Ranger, War in the Sky..."

Trader Rahul Ghone, whose father Rajender is a veteran of the fireworks industry, points to a marginal shortage of crackers as the rains arrived early in the manufacturing hub of Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu. "The trend is towards light and colour based items rather than smoke and noise. A new variety called 'Pop Pop' has mesmerised children." The Ghones' Padmini Fireworks Store in Kurla has witnessed the ups and downs of the trade, and this year a marginal price increase of 10-15% is seen in some segments.

In Bhandup, Elcy Manova of Prakash Fireworks said, "Children are most excited about fancy fireworks. Like their name, there are 'drones' that fire up straight in the air and 'helicopters' that rotate as they zoom, and both emit showers of light. These are in great demand."

Manova says there is an annual rise of 6-12% in prices. "But nothing unusual," she remarked. "Some traders may be witnessing a shortage of goods but those who made advance bookings are not facing problems."

Third generation businessman Kamlesh Mehta of the 46-year-old Kapole Fireworks, Vile Parle, says business is vastly reduced owing to increasing concerns over global warming and environmental pollution. "Customers who are still purchasing have only mantra -- green. Everybody wants crackers that cause minimal harm to the environment. Crawford Market may be crowded with shoppers, but I feel that overall, sales are down by 50%," Mehta said.

In Kandivli, the staff at Shetty Fireworks says fancy items are in great demand. "Children particularly like crackling, sparkling items that bring a colourful burst of light. They don't appreciate noise these days. Sales are slow but will pick up over the weekend. Schools are still to break for Diwali vacation and exams are under way," said spokesman Abdul Shaikh. Since three decades, this establishment has been selling fireworks all year round, not just at festivals.

Meanwhile in Pune, seller Yogesh Chavan said steady rain had dampened sales and sentiment.