All it takes to fly this drone is a little fire, one costs Rs 2000 only

KOTTAYAM: After two years of Covid restrictions, the firecracker market is all set to welcome Vishu. In earlier times, the shops would be crowded several days before Vishu. However, there is no such crowd this time. Even though people are going to buy crackers, summer showers have disrupted the market. The traders are hoping that the trade will pick up on Thursday, the eve of Vishu.

Now, Chinese crackers are on high demand. There are special crackers for children, which will not inflict burns. Super shots, tri-colour flower pots, fancy crackers, sky shot drones, helicopters are the new types, this year. Helicopters or drones are those crackers that will go up, spin and burst, when lit. There is a huge demand for sky shots, which will go up and explode, as well. All-time favourites such as garland crackers, coconut leaf crackers, sparklers, ground chakras etc. are high on sales.

Price rates

Sparklers: Rs 10 – Rs 50

Flower pots: Rs 15 – Rs 80

Ground chakra: Rs 10 – Rs 30

Coconut leaf crackers: Rs 100 – Rs 300

Chinese single shot: From Rs 100 onwards

Fountains: Rs 20 – Rs 80

Helicopter (one piece): up to Rs 2000

The firecrackers in the district are coming from Sivakasi, Paravoor and Angamaly. The trade becomes active by evening every day. After the market loss for the past two years, sales are expected to be better this time, said Abdul Shukkur, a fire cracker trader.