JAIPUR: Fireworks in this Diwali is all set to become a little environment-savvy . From now, the fancy fireworks that used to create big noise and air pollution will be available in less noise and in reduced smoke variants.
"Smoke not only blemishes the glitter of the colourful fireworks but also create health hazards. New kinds of fireworks that emit only a fraction of smoke as compared to their traditional forms are the latest attraction in the market," says a trader.
Every year, more variety is added to the fireworks items and the taste of consumers too keeps changing. The traditional "fire fountains" and hand cannons have thus been making way to multicoloured and multishot fireworks. The sound and air pollution by these are also being brought under control following the guidelines by the apex court.
The pyrotechnic innovations have changed the face of fireworks in the city over several decades. The first fireworks came to the city with the technicians brought by the royal family to upgrade their artilleries. These families gained much respect from the rulers as along with their role in battles, the firing of cannon for salutes become a popular tradition among the royals. It was during one such event that the fancy fireworks took a crucial turn in the city.
"During a celebration at Rawals of Samod, the technicians experimented by replacing shells with fancy explosives. This was appreciated by the Rawals and they bestowed the technicians with honour of 'Atishbaj,' says Zaheer Ahmed, a descendent of the Samod's Atishbaj family.
Since then, the fireworks became an essential component of celebrations among affluent classes and with passage of time, it gained popularity among common masses.
The descedents of the few families of technicians that arrived with Babar are now keeping up the family tradition. However , now they have lost most of the firecracker market to the much advanced products arriving from Sivakasi and are manufacturing custom-made fireworks for special events.
"There are twenty families in the city which have been manufacturing fireworks traditionally for generations. They have resisted to the changing times and despite growing competition from outside markets, they have been able to survive ," says Abid Kahan of Pink City fireworks .
According to market sources, there are nearly a thousand small and big firework traders in the city with an estimated market size of around Rs10 crore. With the Diwali consumption mostly being supplied through those from other states, the local manufacturers have been able to retain only near eight per cent of the market.
