NO FIZZ: Shops selling firecrackers are surrounded by of puddles at Swaraj Maidan in Vijayawada on Saturday. PHOTO: CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR.

VIJAYAWADA: The dark clouds on Vijayawada skyline are sending shivers down the spines of hundreds of traders who have pitched their firecracker shops at Swaraj Maidan. The shops began their trading on Saturday amidst constant drizzle due to the depression in the Bay of Bengal.

However the traders heaved a sigh relief as the Sun God returned with a vengeance in the evening.

"Literally we are praying the Almighty for a bright and sunny Sunday and Monday. A good number of customers visit shops on Monday as the festival falls on Tuesday. We are expecting to do a good business provided there is no rain in the next 48 hours," said Sai of Rajarajeswari Fireworks.

Playing it safe

The Swaraj Maidan was filled with puddles of water causing inconvenience to customers. Many shops were in the process of getting ready for the festival. Keeping in view the safety aspect, the administration has asked the traders to form an association and set up shops at Swaraj Maidan.

Every year, new range of crackers hit the market and for this Diwali, there are a couple fancy items giving a new dimension to the festivities.

"Singing Birds'' is a new firecracker that chirps like birds while burning. The firecracker also makes sounds made by sparrows and cuckoos. There is also the "Happy Spray Cannon", which emits a plethora of colours. "Shooting Star" is a new rocket that unfolds bright colours different hues," said Vissa Srinivasa Rao of Lakshmi Saraswati Fireworks.

However, the traders expressed their displeasure at allowing of cracker shops in busy, commercial areas.

"How can they set firecracker shops when the administration has asked us to set up all the shops at one place?" questioned Sai.

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