Despite Diwali being round the corner, firecracker stalls and stores across the city wore a deserted look on Saturday. The rains, GST and late permissions seem to be the main reasons why people have not ventured out to buy firecrackers for festivities.
Santosh Bora, owner, Bansiwala Fataka Mart, Ganesh Peth, said, “The rains have played a major spoilsport this season and to add to it we received permissions pretty late. Also, this year, people have become slightly more aware of environmental conditions and are staying away from noisy fireworks. This is why vendors have included more aerial and light emitting varieties in their stalls."
The stalls at Golibar Maidan were empty on Saturday evening and stall vendors were seen sitting idle. Usama Khan, Diamond Crackers pointed out, "We have been selling crackers at this very spot for 60 years now. I have never seen such slow business. This year has been really bad because of rains and GST. We have hardly had people visit the stall today."
Visitors at the stall are also being picky and choosy with the items. Hatim Dama, a 13-year-old said, "This year, I have only picked sparklers and crackers that emit light. I am staying away from noisy crackers for two reasons, one as they pollute our environment and second they scare animals away."
{{/usCountry}}Visitors at the stall are also being picky and choosy with the items. Hatim Dama, a 13-year-old said, "This year, I have only picked sparklers and crackers that emit light. I am staying away from noisy crackers for two reasons, one as they pollute our environment and second they scare animals away."
{{/usCountry}}Rishekesh Navsare of Sahakarnagar Fataka Mart in Hadapsar shared, "There are new varieties from factories this year. The business as a whole has seen a lull because of GST primarily. To add to it the rains have created a huge mess resulting in dampening of spirits.”
While Puneites are opting for noiseless crackers, stall vendors state that the business has seen a minimum of 50 per cent drop till now. Khan added, “Few days before Diwali we are normally packed and rushed with business. However, this year with Diwali approaching we are still to witness the rush. I hope things change in the next few days.”
New crackers this year
Bahubali sparklers
Red, green and blue light emitting sparklers
Aerial crackers that are noiseless and only emit light