In Sivakasi, 98 percent of firecrackers are still made using old formulas.Image credit source: Getty Images
How can it be that when Diwali comes and there is no discussion about firecrackers, when the conversation about firecrackers starts, suddenly Sivakasi comes to mind? Sivakasi, called the capital of fireworks. Sivakasi’s economy is completely dependent on the manufacturing and sale of firecrackers. This is the same Sivakasi, which was once affected by severe drought. Afterwards from here two brothers who went to Calcutta (now Kolkata) returned after learning that today it has reached the first place in the light and sound industry and thanks to this India has reached the second place in the world in the manufacturing of firecrackers. Now the name Sivakasi of India is taken along with that of China and Japan. Sivakasi, the capital of firecrackers, made India proud all over the world. Let’s know the whole story of how Sivakasi became the capital of firecrackers.
China ranks first in the manufacturing of firecrackers. If India comes second, then the credit goes solely to Sivakasi. Its history begins in the 19th century. There was a severe drought in Sivakasi. There was a shortage of jobs. In such a situation, two brothers Shanmuga Nadar and P Ayya Nadar came to Kolkata in search of employment. I got a job there in a matchbox factory. In addition to making matches, he also learned how to make firecrackers.
The Nadar brothers began
After becoming experts in making firecrackers, the two Nadar brothers returned to Sivakasi. The dry season was favorable for the manufacture of firecrackers, because the gunpowder necessary for fireworks can be spoiled by humidity. Therefore, the drought of Sivakasi became a blessing for them and both brothers started making firecrackers. In addition to teaching other people how to make firecrackers, he also gave them the idea of making money by making and selling them. People liked the idea and little by little they began to make fireworks throughout the city and in a short time a pyrotechnics industry began there.
90 percent contribution to India’s firecracker industry
Today there are around 8,000 small and large firecracker factories in Sivakasi, situated in the Virudunagar district of the state of Tamil Nadu. Sivakasi’s contribution to the production of firecrackers across the country is about 90 per cent. Since industrial activities continue continuously in Sivakasi, it is also called Mini Japan. Another special thing is that in Sivakasi 98 percent of firecrackers are still made using old formulas. Five years ago, Sivakasi’s firecracker business was worth Rs 6,500 crore. Due to all kinds of restrictions, instead of increasing, it has decreased by 40 to 60 percent.
Matches take place throughout the year.
The Nadar community still dominates the manufacturing of fireworks in Sivakasi. However, the highest demand for fireworks occurs during Diwali and wedding seasons, so in a way, it is a seasonal industry. In the rest of the months of the year, people linked to the pyrotechnics industry make matches. Sivakasi contributes around 80 percent of the total production of matches across the country. Today the city even has a Fireworks Research and Development Center (FRDC). This sets the standards for the entire fireworks industry.
Firecracker posters made in Sivakasi once looked like this
1980s :: Diwali Firecrackers Poster by Anil Fireworks, Sivakasi. Rockets, Anaar, Chakri, Lad, Phuljhadi, Bullet Bomb #HappyDiwali pic.twitter.com/8gRVlm12ep
—indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) October 9, 2017
Sivakasi also has connections with the army.
Raw materials are tested only at FRDC. In addition to checking safety standards during the manufacturing of firecrackers, a safe environment is created for people involved in the manufacturing industry. Nowadays, Uttarkashi has also been associated with the Indian Army. Here, in addition to weapons for the army, special types of artillery shells are also manufactured. Special matches for the army are made here that work even in storms, rain and snow. The practice pumps are also manufactured only in Sivakasi.
Apart from Sivakasi, firecrackers are manufactured in many other places in the country today, but their total contribution is less than 10 per cent. At the same time, Sivakasi firecrackers are even exported abroad. The firecrackers from here go to Saudi Arabia. Despite the decline in business due to various restrictions, its dominance continues. However, due to less emphasis on manufacturing green firecrackers, many firecracker traders here are facing losses. Despite this, more than 6.5 lakh families here are directly or indirectly involved in the firecracker business.
Also Read: How is Diwali celebrated in Saudi Arabia? The Prince’s perspective changes, the Arab lights up
