Making India Bright: This Diwali, Diyas And Crackers Made Locally Shine Better Than Those Imported From China

West Bengal seems to have succeeded in taking business away from the Chinese, with indigenous crackers and fairylights being sold more, in the light of the upcoming occasion of Kali Puja and Diwali. However, the Chinese products still continue to burn bright in the decorative lights sector.

The effort to prevent the Chinese from monopolizing the cracker and lighting market`had begun a few years ago, but this year, they seemed to have gained the mileage. Strict vigilance by government agencies, competitive pricing by sellers from manufacturers and introducing new varieties has helped the domestic industry reclaim the market from the Chinese. Indigenous fireworks have been manufactured in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, this year and have captured 95 per cent of the fireworks market.

“Sustained efforts over the past couple of years have helped us regain the market share from Chinese products. We have introduced more varieties and made prices competitive,” said Babla Roy, Chairman for West Bengal Fire Crackers Development Association, reports TOI.

Even diya makers sold earthen oil lamps for Kali Puja and Diwali. They faced a impending threat from low-cost electricity-powered Chinese lamps, but reworked on their designs and colours to make their products more attractive.

“We have recorded good sales this year. We have made the humble diyas more attractive. However, buyers, too, have re-embraced tradition. There is a realisation that some of the charm of Kali Puja and Diwali will be lost without lighting the traditional lamp,” said Tarun Sadhukhan of Tarun Stores in Mechhua’s Handipatti. His store sold over 15,000 diyas in the past few days.

However, Chinese lamps have retained their dominance in decorative lights, with fairy lights selling like hot cakes in Ezra Street, Chandni and other markets across the city.