Licensing delay
Traders say they now have three days to sell stock, instead of at least 10 they are usually allotted. Sultan said rates have risen by at least 20%. “Prices normally climb 10 to 15 percent a year, but this year’s increase is 20 to 25 percent. “We are buying sparklers as well as 100-walas and loud ones.
The stalls were due to open on Nov 3, and delays in licence approvals pushed the first sales to Wednesday, traders said. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chennai | Silver Rate in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Petrol Price in Chennai | Diesel Price in Chennai | CNG Price in Chennai | LPG Price in Chennai Stay updated with the latest Chennai news.
We now struggle to recover their costs after paying for rent and labour,” said V Sudhakar, a trader. All costs, from chemicals used in manufacturing to transport, have gone up,” he said. Murali N, from Koyambedu, said his family was planning a “thala Diwali. “I usually don’t burst crackers, but this year the entire family is planning a grand celebration,” he said. Many who visited said crackers remain central to the festival. “Tamil Nadu is a big market for crackers,” said A Muthukrishnan, a resident of Parrys Corner.
Chennai: Cutouts were up, green crackers were stacked high, and shutters rose at 10am at the makeshift stalls in Island grounds. The customers, however, were yet to trickle in. Rain in parts of the city played spoilsport. But the thin crowd had a deeper cause. “We are hoping they don’t shop elsewhere. “We missed the weekend before Diwali. That’s the time people come with families to buy. “We are hoping it doesn’t rain. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued no official forecast for rain, but some weather bloggers predict that an easterly wave could bring widespread rain to coastal areas over the Diwali weekend. That’s not the only spoiler. Higher prices may also hold buyers back. Traders are betting on children’s items. Crackers shaped like drones, toy cars and guitars are on offer. Even traditional flowerpots now carry images of Avengers characters and other cartoon figures such Shin Chan, Dora and Hulk to make them attractive. By late evening customers arrived. “Within the existing regulations, they must support the cracker industry as well. Download the TOI App.
Traders hope sales to peak in the last three days before the festival. “We announced we will open on Tuesday. Many people who came to buy crackers left empty-handed yesterday,” said Syed Sultan, a vendor. Traders had wanted to set up their stalls on Friday and start selling on Saturday. The delay cost them the weekend before Diwali , which falls on Sunday this year and is usually among the busiest shopping periods. If it happens, sales will peak on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” said Raja Muhammad, another trader.