Firecracker sales fizzle out in Bengaluru amid rising awareness

On Friday, some shopkeepers reported steady sales, while others saw a decline of 20% to 30% compared to last year.

Bengaluru: Firecracker sales in Bengaluru remained tepid as the city entered the third and main day of the Deepavali celebrations.

On Friday, some shopkeepers reported steady sales, while others saw a decline of 20 per cent to 30 per cent compared to last year.

Girish, a firecracker vendor in Jayanagar, noted a drop in sales for the festival season, though off-season sales were unaffected.

V Keshav, president of the Vishala Karnataka Fireworks Traders' Welfare Association, painted a different picture, describing sales this Deepavali as satisfactory. "On October 31, numbers were strong, and we expect a good turnout on November 1 and 2 as well," he said.

Amid heightened police checks, shopkeepers mentioned that selling non-green firecrackers has become "next to impossible". Authorities are keeping a close eye to prevent any sale of illegal firecrackers.

"Shopkeepers pay rent to stall owners, who handle all documentation, including verification of trade licences for firecrackers. It is very challenging to sell non-green crackers now," explained a vendor.

The subdued sales may also reflect increased awareness of firecrackers' environmental impact.

Meghdeep Patnaik, a Lingarajapuram resident, shared, "I stopped bursting crackers about 15 years ago as I became more conscious of the harm to the environment and animals. Now, I spend Deepavali on the couch, comforting my dog."