After a slow start, the sale of firecrackers picked up in the city on Sunday. The festive rush was witnessed as a large number of families thronged the firecracker stalls set up in different parts of the city.
Andhra University has around 150 stalls in various grounds, making it the biggest center for the sale of firecrackers to the people of the city. The stall was crowded throughout the day, especially in the evening. Children were seen collecting their favorite firecrackers at the stalls. Just like AU, stalls were arranged at Alwar Das Maidan in MVP Colony, Gajuwaka, HB Colony, Lawson’s Bay Colony, MVP Double Road, Beach Road and many other areas.
A child with a toy gun at a cracker stall at AU Engineering College Ground in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. , Photo Credit: V. Raju
To attract the attention of the customers, various types of crackers were arranged in an attractive manner at all the stalls. A variety of toy guns were a special attraction for the children. Good discount offered at all stalls on purchase basis. K Abhilash of Maharanipeta said, “During the last two years, the restrictions due to the pandemic have dampened the sentiments of the citizens. This year, with the situation improving, we decided to celebrate the festival in a grand manner.” He said that most of his collection consists of flower pots, sparklers, colored matches, pencils and ground spinners.
Anand of Peda Waltair, who bought firecrackers worth ₹4,200, said the prices of firecrackers have been rising gradually over the years. He said that he is interested in buying more quantity of ‘thousand ones’.
Srikanth Reddy, owner of a firecracker shop in MVP Colony, said that most people prefer basic firecrackers like flowerpots, ground spinners and sparklers keeping in mind the kids. He also admitted that due to increase in raw material prices, transportation and other duties, there has been a slight increase in the prices of firecrackers as compared to the previous years. Fearing rain, many traders heaved a sigh of relief without any hindrance. Local markets, Rythu bazaars and sweet shops witnessed a festive atmosphere as people thronged to buy diyas, candles, fruits and other essentials for the festival of Diwali. Various types of earthen lamps were in high demand all over the place, as people were eager to buy them in large numbers to decorate their homes.