Fireworks: An explosion of memories
As I sit in my Dubai living room, I have the unique luxury of watching the Dubai Shopping Festival fireworks, not as grand as the iconic Burj Khalifa display but spectacular nonetheless. This experience triggers a flood of memories connected to the fireworks of my youth during religious celebrations like Eid, Diwali, Christmas, and Vishu, a Hindu festival celebrated across India.
In the past, these festivals would bring an explosion of fireworks, a tradition that predates the current bans on firecrackers due to noise, air pollution, and climate concerns. Families and temples engaged in friendly competition, showcasing the best pyrotechnic displays. This was an era before the influx of Chinese fireworks into the market, relying on locally manufactured products in remote areas, often resulting in accidents due to haphazard storage of chemicals.
Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu remained the fireworks capital, contributing 70% of India's dazzling output. Families eagerly purchased Sivakasi products, unaware of the challenges faced by women and children working in the cracker units. Local shops buzzed with activity as people sought out colorful packets, assuming the exterior hues hinted at the explosive brilliance inside.
The festival season brought a democratic and secular spirit, where even impoverished children saved up all year to showcase the best fireworks. Muslim elders in the neighborhood would secretly contribute to their fund, emphasizing unity during celebrations.
Budget negotiations at home often turned into civil wars between men and women, with fathers and uncles discreetly allocating additional funds to enhance the festive display. The absence of female members in the purchase team didn't dampen the enthusiasm to bring home the best products in town. Discussions about the best fireworks shows echoed in classrooms and playgrounds for weeks.
My cousin Feroze's dedication reached extreme levels when, facing financial difficulties, he contemplated jumping into the sea to find firecracker funds. Swift intervention saved him, demonstrating the intensity of passion during festival preparations. Feroze once attempted to create a cylindrical firecracker, resulting in a ground-level burst that burned my hand and momentarily blinded me.
The fervor extended to organizing a fireworks show for my son's wedding, underlining the enduring significance of this tradition. Temples, renowned for their fireworks, hosted various groups running different displays during their annual festivals. These events, known as poorams, featured shows in the late afternoon and midnight, each consisting of sub-shows by different groups.
While contemporary fireworks showcase technological advancements, earlier times relied on a simpler system. Inebriated laborers dug holes and erected bamboo cylinders filled with black powder, sending corporate flyers into the sky. Some companies even released white doves, a peculiar form of animal involvement that was accepted in those times.
Today, as I witness the grand fireworks in the UAE sky, I let the spectacle paint a poetic narrative on my soul, immersing me in a radiant shower of nostalgia.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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