India's Firework's Capital

Sivakasi is sometimes called India's "town of three industries" because of its match production, fireworks manufacturing and printing presses. There are approximately 1,500 small and medium match factories there, as well as between 450 to 1000 fireworks factories and almost 400 presses. Tens of thousands of workers are directly employed by these industries. Located 46 miles (74 km) south of Madurai, it is part of the Virudunagar district in Tamil Nadu, and its colorful history dates back over 600 years into the 14th century. It is a devoutly Hindu city, and it is well-known for its many beautiful temples and wonderful festivals. 90% of India's fireworks are produced in Sivakasi. The fireworks factories there employ over 40,000 people—not including many others who specialize in paper tubing, wires and cardboard boxes. The population of Sivakasi is approximately 71,000 people, and it has an average literacy rate of 77%.

ABOUT SIVKASI

As the editor noted, Sivakasi is well-known for its fireworks, safety matches and printing. If you think of fireworks in India, you automatically think of Sivakasi. It is truly the fireworks capital of India. Located in the southern part of India, it is the country's hottest region and has an average winter temperature of around 77º Fahrenheit and an average summertime temperature of approximately 100º Fahrenheit. The hot, dry climate makes it a wonderful location to produce fireworks, but the horrendous heat means we must take much greater care during production. Sivakasi is perhaps most famous for producing 1.3G display fireworks for India's festivals and special occasions. It also produces an abundance of consumer fireworks that are used throughout India as well. 90% of India's fireworksproduction occurs right here. If you add up all of the factories that are in north, east, south and west Sivaksi, your total would be more than 1000.

Sivakasi's fireworks traditions, however, originated in China when fireworks were shipped here and small factories were established in 1923.

FESTIVALS IN INDIA

In India, unlike many other countries,fireworks are often used in a variety of religious ceremonies. During the eepavali Festival, for example—which translates to mean 'festival of lights'— people from all age groups dispel the darkness and express their happiness by lighting earthen 'diyas' (lamps), shooting off fireworks, decorating their houses and by inviting friends and family to their homes for sumptuous feasts. Indian culture is rich with festivals like this one, and fireworks often play a predominant role in each celebration. Actually, consumersoftentimes want more fireworks than are produced in Sivakasi, but the lack of technology, and India's stringent rules and regulations hamper production.

RAW MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY

In India, there is no such thing as a research and development center or governmental entity assigned specifically to help aid and modernize the fireworks business. Therefore, most fireworks factories here still use fairly ancient techniques when making and drying fireworks. The problem at present is that the materials used in most fireworks continue to increase in cost and are rapidly becoming either difficult to find or are depleted. The factories that process the raw materials used in Sivakasi fireworks factories are finding it more and more difficult to meet the demand. Those factories that process the least available raw materials have enjoyed somewhat of a monopoly as of late.

One important note about the raw materials we use: the larger companies check the raw materials we buy quite carefully in their laboratories to make certain they are selling quality chemicals that conform to India's high standards.

FIREWORKS PRODUCTS

In India, firecrackers are the mainstay of the fireworks business. Similar to Chinese celebrations, firecrackers in India have proven themselves to be the prime ingredient used in almost every celebration. Apart from that though, a rather unique firework produced here called a 'Jute Twine Bomb' is also a very popular (3rd photo on the bottom left).

Jute Twine Bombs tend to make a very loud bang when set off, and are often used at the airport to scare birds away from departing flights.

Apart from that, Sivakasi makes an extensive variety of artillery shells, cakes, fountains, wheels and small novelties. Obviously many factories make somewhat similar products—like firecrackers, for example—but they often add star ratings to their packaging to help give them an edge in sales. It is funny here, there are almost as many names for firework products in Sivakasi as there are people.

FUTURE OF THE FIREWORKS BUSINESS IN INDIA

In India, the fireworks business is still very labor intensive and nonmechanized. How long inexpensive labor will continue to support the fireworks business is hard to guess. We are now competing with many other businesses in and around India who also want inexpensive labor to make their products.

Possilby because of our hot climate, mechanization has been very slow in coming to the fireworks business here. But technology will eventually reach us, and new technologies will provide fireworks factories in Sivakasi with option they presently do not have. Personally, I feel fireworks in India have a very bright future. As we mechanize our processes, I think that India can be an equal contender in the world fireworks market.