Hyderabad traders face slow business as green crackers change consumer habits
Customers often mistake the lower noise levels of eco-friendly fireworks for poor quality, according to local traders.
Firecracker stalls have appeared across Hyderabad ahead of Deepavali, but some traders report slower business compared to previous years, according to The Hindu.
The market is seeing a gradual shift toward green crackers, which are designed to reduce noise and emissions. However, traders say some buyers mistake the quieter sound of these alternatives for a drop in quality.
Sanjay Kumar Gupta of Ramamurthy Trading Company said customers expect the loud blasts traditionally associated with Deepavali. He noted that when green crackers do not produce a loud bang, buyers often assume established brands are performing poorly.
Myakala Venugopal of Shivashakti Agency said the variety of green options has grown to include fancy fireworks. Raghavendra of Hyderabad Crackers in Kukatpally added that the shift toward these variants began around 2021.
Some buyers are bypassing local retail stalls to buy in large quantities at wholesale prices directly from Sivakasi manufacturers, such as Standard Fireworks. Ravi Kumar, a resident of Kowkoor, said buying directly is more cost-effective for large family celebrations.
Traders also expressed concern over licensing delays. Gupta said he received his licence on November 5, just four days before the festival, and noted that receiving them at least 10 days earlier would help businesses.