Palode: With just a week to go for the Diwali festival, cracker units in Nanniyode, often referred to as the ‘Sivakasi’ of the district, have sprung to life. Over 200 licensed sales outlets and more than 30 manufacturing licensees are operating across different parts of the panchayat. While cracker sales are booming outside, production of various types of crackers is progressing within these units.

Most of the sales centres are located in Nanniyode, Aalampara, Navadhaara, and Paaluvalli, with other active hubs including Nalanda Junction, Kudavanaad, Elavattom, Manalayam, Kurupuzha, Peykkaamaamoola, and Puliyoor. Both locally made crackers and those sourced from Sivakasi are available here. Some centres also manufacture palm-leaf crackers and colour crackers, with sales taking place both wholesale and retail.

According to licence holders, a wide variety of products are available this season, including hammer, gelwater, cylinder, Kalashapoovu, Varnapottu, gada, and violin. Buyers from other districts are arriving in large numbers. The coming days in Nanniyode are expected to witness a massive rush for crackers.

Several people, including women, are employed at cracker production centres in Nanniyode. For licence holders, the Diwali festival is a period that sustains their livelihoods for the entire year.

One of the highlights this season is the availability of safe crackers that can be burst without burning the hand. A majority of the products are green crackers, manufactured using locally sourced gunpowder, marking a shift from previous years, said Fireworks Merchants Association district president Manalayam Shiju and secretary Elavattom Ajith.