CHENNAI: Despite restrictions on bursting firecrackers, Tamil Nadu residents celebrated Deepawali with enthusiasm, heeding a call from Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai. His social media appeal urged people to uphold the tradition of bursting crackers, supporting the livelihood of Sivakasi’s firecracker manufacturers, where over 8 lakh workers are linked to the industry.
Currently studying in the UK, Annamalai’s message shared on platform X emphasised firecrackers as a cultural staple and an economic lifeline for Tamil Nadu’s Sivakasi community. He expressed concern over imposed environmental narratives that oppose cracker celebrations, stating, “Bursts of joy for one day do no harm; let’s celebrate mindfully.” Annamalai’s message resonated across social media, sparking encouragement for widespread firecracker purchases, especially given the nearly 40% impact on production due to restrictions on joint crackers.
பட்டாசு வெடிப்பது நம்ம கலாச்சாரம். நம் மக்களின் வாழ்வாதாரம். நம் சிவகாசியின் ஒட்டுமொத்த பொருளாதாரம்.
நம் மகிழ்ச்சிக்காகப் பட்டாசு தயாரிக்கும் தொழிலாளர்களின் வாழ்வாதாரத்துக்காக, நாம் அனைவரும், நம்மால் முடிந்த அளவுக்குப் பட்டாசு வாங்கி வெடிக்க வேண்டுமென்று கேட்டுக் கொள்கிறேன்.… pic.twitter.com/t1i0LvFNFH
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) October 28, 2024
The response was strong: Sivakasi’s firework industry, supported by the Tamil Nadu BJP, achieved an impressive Rs 6,000 crore in sales this season, reflecting a 5-7 per cent increase over last year. According to the Indian Fireworks Manufacturers Association (TIFMA), varieties like aerial shots saw high demand both locally and from neighboring states. TIFMA’s General Secretary, T. Kannan, acknowledged challenges due to marginal increases in raw material costs, but noted stable prices and strong consumer interest despite the joint cracker ban.
he Tamil Nadu Tawheed Jamaath (TNTJ) had put up posters discouraging crackers, but these were largely disregarded as residents countered with calls for mutual respect in celebrating all festivals.
நீ என்னடா சொல்றது மயிரே… பட்டாசு வெடிச்சே தீருவோம் போடா pic.twitter.com/jQWsZIzuik
— ஈன வெங்காயம் 🇮🇳 (@eena_vengayam) October 31, 2024
Sivakasi’s fireworks industry recorded over Rs. 6,000 crore in sales, marking a 5-7 per cent increase from last year. According to TIFMA’s general secretary T. Kannan, demand was high for aerial shots and other varieties, with interest from both within Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. Although production faced challenges due to bans on joint crackers and barium nitrate, industry experts suggest lifting these restrictions could boost sales by an additional 25-35 per cent.
In Chennai alone, police registered 429 cases over firecracker-related violations, with most citations issued for violating permitted hours. The Greater Chennai Corporation reported collecting approximately 212 tonnes of firecracker waste, managed through landfill disposal due to its hazardous components.
#JUSTIN | தீபாவளி- சென்னையில் 347 வழக்குகள் பதிவு#DiwaliCelebration | #Diwali2024 | #Deepavali2024 pic.twitter.com/zn8u4auQZJ
— PttvOnlinenews (@PttvNewsX) November 1, 2024
In a unique display, Salem residents celebrated by burning a ten-headed Ravana effigy, a first in the region. Meanwhile, government hospitals across Chennai reported 150 burn injuries, contributing to the 224 incidents attended to statewide.
சேலத்தில் தனியார் பள்ளியில்
பத்து தலை ராவணன் உருவப் படத்தை வடிவமைத்து, அதன் மீது பட்டாசுகளை சுற்றி வெடித்து தீபாவளி பண்டிகையை கொண்டாடினர் பள்ளியில் இப்படி பண்ணலாமா @Anbil_Mahesh@GunasekaranMu @polimernews@KariKalankiru @PTTVOnlineNews pic.twitter.com/pVcXY4Ijz4— AaraaPG (@AaraaPg) October 30, 2024
Although liquor sales through TASMAC outlets generally spike during Diwali, sales this year saw a slight decline, recording Rs. 430 crore over two days, down from Rs. 467 crore in 2023. Economic activity otherwise remained strong, with an estimated Rs. 50,000 crore in festival merchandise sales across textiles, electronics, and food, underscoring the festive season’s robust impact on Tamil Nadu’s economy.
