Most say no to noise, opt for colourful firecrackers this year

MUMBAI:EXPECT your Diwali to be less noisy this year, as most people are opting for colourful fireworks over noisy firecrackers.

“Until last year, we got orders for rassi bombs (one of the noisiest), but this year various colour flower pot is the favourite. Noise is surely not what people are looking at this Diwali,” said Shabbirbhai of K Fidaally & Co, dealers in fireworks.

“There is a lot of cacophony in the city already. Why add to it? How can a sutli bomb make you happy on a festival? It is just a moment of noise,” said Dilip Patil, a customer buying floor chakris from a wholesaler.

“Some shop owners feel the

ban on Chinese crackers is responsible for the change. “Some people are asking whether the crackers are Chinese. They are wary,” said Dharmendra Madesiya, a shop owner from Dadar market.

Borivli markets had their fireworks shops closed a day before the festival. “There are hardly any shops this year. People are not buying crackers. They are concerned about environment and recent attacks,” said Abdul Ali, a shopowner. “Most of the festivals in the city are noise-related. Whatever the reason, it is good for the environment. If everyone contributes, things will change,” said Priyank Sanghavi, a Borivli resident, who stopped bursting six years ago. Kewal Parpani, another resident of Borivali, said, “Everyone enjoys the sight of flower pots being lit up, instead of getting startled at the to sound of sutli bombs.”