Hyderabad: As the city gears up for Diwali festivities, firecracker vendors are seeing a significant shift in consumer preferences, with many leaning towards eco-friendly alternatives.
Jayesh Kumar, owner of Shri Hari Fireworks in Vidya Nagar, said, “Last year, there was limited demand for green crackers, but this year, due to the Supreme Court ban on barium-filled firecrackers, green crackers are the preferred choice.”
He added that the court’s ruling has spurred manufacturers to innovate, “resulting in crackers that release fewer harmful emissions while maintaining the celebratory essence of Diwali”.
Not just regulatory measures, environmentalists also point to growing awareness among locals for the rise in demand. Ayaan Vishnani said, a BTech student from Afzalgunj, said, “Diwali is incomplete without firecrackers, but we should also think about the environment. The concept of green firecrackers is great because they contain barium at a much lower dose. This way, we can celebrate Diwali with minimal or no damage to the environment.”
Vendors wait for holiday rush
Despite the positive trend, sellers across the city report that sales are yet to see a substantial increase as Diwali approaches. Vendors like Rajesh Allampally, owner of Bhagya Laxmi Crackers in Begum Bazar, said, “Sales are quite low right now, maybe because schools have still not declared holidays. We are hoping that by Friday, the rush in our store will increase.” He added the last-minute holiday rush has always been a crucial factor for firecracker sales.
Factoring in time, costs
Allampally said vendors are facing another challenge this year — a deadline till when they can keep stores open. “Last year we were told to shut stores because of elections by 10pm. This time, there is no election but we are asked to shut by 11pm. This will impact our business immensely,” he said.
Kumar, the owner of Shri Hari Fireworks, said costs have also gone up, impacting sales. “There has been a 10% price hike in firecrackers this year. This is routine due to rising material costs like that of cardboard, paper, plastic, and powder used in manufacturing.”
Reduced profitability
While some vendors welcome the demand for eco-friendly crackers, others like Keerithi Ashwin from Mohan Crackers in Jam Bagh, expressed disappointment over reduced profitability. “Earlier, we would make huge profits, but now as people have become environmentally aware, they either do not buy firecrackers or opt for low-margin items such as sparklers, chakkars, flower pots, pencils, which hardly give us any profit,” he said.
Jayesh Kumar, owner of Shri Hari Fireworks in Vidya Nagar, said, “Last year, there was limited demand for green crackers, but this year, due to the Supreme Court ban on barium-filled firecrackers, green crackers are the preferred choice.”
He added that the court’s ruling has spurred manufacturers to innovate, “resulting in crackers that release fewer harmful emissions while maintaining the celebratory essence of Diwali”.
Not just regulatory measures, environmentalists also point to growing awareness among locals for the rise in demand. Ayaan Vishnani said, a BTech student from Afzalgunj, said, “Diwali is incomplete without firecrackers, but we should also think about the environment. The concept of green firecrackers is great because they contain barium at a much lower dose. This way, we can celebrate Diwali with minimal or no damage to the environment.”
Vendors wait for holiday rush
Despite the positive trend, sellers across the city report that sales are yet to see a substantial increase as Diwali approaches. Vendors like Rajesh Allampally, owner of Bhagya Laxmi Crackers in Begum Bazar, said, “Sales are quite low right now, maybe because schools have still not declared holidays. We are hoping that by Friday, the rush in our store will increase.” He added the last-minute holiday rush has always been a crucial factor for firecracker sales.
Factoring in time, costs
Allampally said vendors are facing another challenge this year — a deadline till when they can keep stores open. “Last year we were told to shut stores because of elections by 10pm. This time, there is no election but we are asked to shut by 11pm. This will impact our business immensely,” he said.
Kumar, the owner of Shri Hari Fireworks, said costs have also gone up, impacting sales. “There has been a 10% price hike in firecrackers this year. This is routine due to rising material costs like that of cardboard, paper, plastic, and powder used in manufacturing.”
Reduced profitability
While some vendors welcome the demand for eco-friendly crackers, others like Keerithi Ashwin from Mohan Crackers in Jam Bagh, expressed disappointment over reduced profitability. “Earlier, we would make huge profits, but now as people have become environmentally aware, they either do not buy firecrackers or opt for low-margin items such as sparklers, chakkars, flower pots, pencils, which hardly give us any profit,” he said.
