Firecrackers are an integral part of Deepavali. Normally by this time several shops would be doing brisk business, but this year cracker shops are yet to be opened in several parts of the city and sales have not picked up pace too.
The prime reason for the celebration being on a low key is steep rise in cost.
Mohammed Ashraf, who has put up a stall at Island Grounds, the allotted venue for selling firecrackers for the retailers of Parry’s area, said yearly price rise is 5 - 10 per cent but this time it is too high _ 20 and 30 per %. Having spent a lot of money in putting up a stall, he is apprehensive about burning his fingers.
S. Raghunathan, a regular customer said: “The prices of several varieties have increased. A 1,000 wala cracker now costs Rs. 495 (was sold at Rs. 350 last year). Similarly the cost of 10,000 walas has sharply increased by a few hundreds (Rs 4,200 to Rs 4,800). The milder ones such as 'chakkar', sparkler, flowerpots, twinkle-stars have also witnessed a steep increase _ 10 - 25 per cent. “May be I need to downscale my budget by a few thousands this year. That means sacrificing a few varieties”, sighed Mr. Raghunathan.
Poor supply
Shaikh Abdullah, wholesale and retail merchant, said one of the reasons for prices of firecrackers rising was the poor supply caused by strict enforcement of safety regulations after the recent fire tragedy in Sivakasi and Cyclone Nilam for the decline in output. He said several factories have been closed in Sivakasi due to the raids conducted by authorities.
Until last year traders used to put up a lot of temporary shops all over the city and sell crackers at discounted prices.
But with stringent fire safety norms enforced by authorities the field favours only big time players who do not offer a discount.
Sri Kaliswari Fire Works, which markets the famous Cock brand, has introduced new fancy fire works, such as Top 10 Sky Flash, which shoots out to the sky showering colourful stars and varieties of flower pots.
Likewise, Standard Fire Works has also introduced new fancy fire works named T.V. Towers, Golden Spiders, Golden Drops, Silver Chariots, Meteors and Moon Series rockets.
