NALBARI, Nov 7: The indigenous firecracker artisans of Nij Bahjani village in Nalbari district are busy manufacturing various kinds of fireworks with the Diwali round the corner.
The local artisans are fully prepared to offer fireworks of different shapes and sizes to the people, countering the Chinese products available in the market.
It is worth mentioning that at the Trinayan Bhandar, located in the northern neighbourhood of Nij Bahjani village, around 40 firecracker artisans working under the supervision of Jayanta Talukdar have manufactured more than one lakh firecrackers over the past two months to illuminate the skies during Diwali.
The artisans have handcrafted a wide variety of fireworks, including Akash Ganga, Fulzari, Kolgach, gas bomb, crackers, chocolate bombs, light trees, Mota bomb, Chereki and pencil bombs, among others.
Although our state is currently flooded with products from foreign countries, the locally manufactured fireworks of Trinayan Bhandar are claimed to be far superior to foreign products, with no possibility of fire accidents which may cause injuries.
According to the proprietors of the firecracker unit, Jayanta Talukdar, Diganta Talukdar and Hemanta Talukdar, their late father, Harakanta Talukdar, and mother, Nilima Talukdar, were their greatest sources of inspiration. Inspired by their parents, they have continued to dedicate themselves towards preserving this traditional indigenous craft. They have also involved several other people in the trade, helping them sustain their livelihoods and continue their struggle for survival.
However, the rising prices of all essential materials have made it increasingly difficult to keep this traditional craft alive.
It may be mentioned that this indigenous firecracker manufacturing unit, established in 1949, is now being run by the descendants of the late Jagru Talukdar and the late Prasanna Talukdar.
On the other hand, Aniruddha Talukdar and Anil Talukdar, also from the same village, have been manufacturing various kinds of fireworks at their ancestral firecracker unit under the name of Maa Aikon Fireworks Factory. Around 40 firecracker artisans from Nij Bahjani are engaged in manufacturing fireworks and earning their livelihoods through this traditional occupation.
It is noteworthy that the artisans of Nij Bahjani supply fireworks not only during Diwali but also for various religious festivals, pujas, weddings and other ceremonies. Many families of this area have been engaged in the indigenous fireworks making.
According to the artisans, the aggressive competition in the market created by the liberalised economy has posed a serious challenge to the locally manufactured fireworks. Despite these challenges, they are making every possible effort to preserve the quality and distinctive characteristics of this traditional craft.