The festive spirit in Mysuru is facing a dampener this Deepavali season, as intermittent rainfall and a forecast for more wet weather are putting a significant chill on firecracker sales. Local traders, who rely heavily on this short window, are finding their usual enthusiasm dimmed by the uncooperative skies.
Deepavali firecracker sales in Mysuru have always been modest, a trend that worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic. Retailers like Manjunath, who operates a stall at JK Grounds, note that while prices haven’t significantly increased, demand has failed to ignite. “We’re really disheartened by the rains; they’ve truly soaked our sales this year,” he lamented, reflecting the general sentiment among his peers.
This sentiment is echoed by many other vendors whose entire annual firecracker business is concentrated into just one week before Deepavali. With stalls set up in designated areas approved by the Mysuru City Corporation, all their hopes for profit rest squarely on these crucial few days leading up to the festival.
Retailers confirmed that all fireworks available for purchase are certified ‘Green Crackers,’ a standard practice that has been in place since the pandemic, emphasizing environmental consciousness in their offerings.
These fireworks are sourced in bulk from Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, with orders placed months ahead of the festive season. Despite meticulous planning, traders consistently report a dip in business performance year after year.
Despite the current lull, a flicker of optimism remains among some traders along Vishwa Manava Double Road, Kuvempunagar, and other areas. They anticipate a significant boost in sales on the actual festival day and into the evening, coinciding with Naraka Chaturdasi and Balipadyami celebrations. Their last hope hinges on a clearing of the skies in the coming days, allowing for a much-needed rush of last-minute purchases.