Lucknow:
In a bid to attract star-stuck moviebuffs, firecrackers manufacturers have named their products after popular Bollywood actors like Katrina Kaif, Salman Khan and yesteryears actress Hema Malini. They have also come up with an "eco-friendly" version of crackers which will let people enjoy Diwali without worrying about the harmful effects on the nature or children.
The rocket in the name of Chulbul Pandey-- a character played by Salman Khan in the film "Dabang" emits various kind of lights and different sounds before it explodes in the sky. There are more takers for this cracker than others, Rakesh, a salesman in a cracker shop here said.
Other new introduction this year is Hema Malini phooljhari, Katrina charkhi and Sholay bomb, which explodes with a loud sound, Mohammad Naeem, a cracker shop owner said.
Besides firecrackers with filmy names, the market is flooded with the eco-friendly crackers.
"People have become more aware of environmental issues. We have introduced a wide range of eco-friendly crackers which are safe, non-polluting and cheaper," Mohd Gulsher, a wholesale dealer said.
Unlike other fire-crackers, these crackers work on vacuum method.
"As these crackers are based on vacuum combustion technique, no smoke or fire is emitted, making them safe even for small children. These crackers make sound with colourful pieces of paper," Gulsher said.
"These can be busted inside the house too," Manish Shukla, a firecracker dealer said.
He said these crackers are available in different sizes with catchy brand names like Pokemon, Mango Magic, Rainbow Smoke, Sweet Sixteen and Vacuum Magic.
"While traditional firecrackers range between Rs 100 per piece upto Rs 10,000, these eco-friendly cracker are available for Rs 40. The costliest cracker is priced at Rs 1,500," Gulsher said.