Copyright newskarnataka
Mangaluru/Udupi: Continuous evening showers accompanied by thunder and lightning over the past week have severely affected firecracker sales across the coastal districts of Karnataka. Traders in Mangaluru and Udupi reported that business has fallen by nearly 50 percent this Diwali season as heavy rains kept customers away from markets and open-air stalls. Local administrations had permitted temporary firecracker stalls to operate in open grounds across both cities, but the weather played spoilsport. Despite several stalls being lined up in designated areas, enthusiasm among buyers remained visibly low. The persistent downpour and damp conditions also made it difficult for families to light lamps or burst crackers outdoors. Heavy rain keeps customers indoors In Mangaluru, dealers said that the continuous showers and thunderstorms throughout the festival week forced people to stay indoors. “Business dropped drastically this year. The moment it started raining, customers would stop coming. There were hardly any crowds compared to last year,” said a local vendor near Nehru Maidan. Temporary firecracker stalls, which rely heavily on walk-in customers during the festive season, bore the brunt of the weather. With fewer people venturing out, profit margins shrank significantly. Several traders said they had stocked up in anticipation of good sales after last year’s moderate season, only to face unexpected losses due to the unseasonal rainfall. Udupi stalls struggle in muddy grounds In Udupi, the situation was equally grim. The Udupi City Municipality had issued permission for around 30 firecracker stalls at the Beedinagudde ground this year, up from 18 last year. However, incessant rain turned the venue into a muddy field, discouraging buyers from visiting. “Customers simply did not want to walk through the slush to reach our stalls. Even though we tried offering home delivery, the response was poor,” said a trader from Udupi. Many stalls operated from 9 am to 10 pm, but most reported low footfall throughout the festive period. Adding to their woes, several boxes of firecrackers were damaged due to moisture and strong winds. Some traders said the wet conditions affected storage, with fireworks losing their spark or becoming unsafe to use. Losses and hopes for recovery Firecracker traders across both districts estimate that sales have declined by 40 to 50 percent compared to the previous year. The losses are particularly devastating for temporary vendors who depend solely on Deepavali sales for income. Dealers have now pinned their hopes on the upcoming Tulsi Puja celebrations from November 1 to 3, for which local authorities have allowed the firecracker stalls to remain open. They remain optimistic that if the rains subside, business may improve slightly during the extended festive period. “We’re hoping for clear skies in the next few days. If Tulsi Puja celebrations go well, we may recover some of the losses,” said a stall owner in Mangaluru. Weather impact on Diwali traditions Apart from affecting sales, the continuous rain also dampened Diwali festivities for residents. Many families refrained from bursting crackers or lighting lamps outdoors due to wet courtyards and frequent lightning. Several cultural programmes planned in open areas were also cancelled or postponed. Meteorological officials have indicated that coastal Karnataka has been witnessing above-average rainfall in recent weeks, caused by cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea. The downpour is expected to ease gradually by the end of the month, potentially offering some relief to traders and residents alike. As the festive season continues into November, firecracker vendors across Mangaluru and Udupi are keeping their fingers crossed for dry weather and renewed customer enthusiasm.
