GST snatched away our Diwali buzz, say Ahmedabad cracker sellers, residents cite green cause

Shopkeepers said that the rising cost of firecrackers due to 28 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) levy has resulted in a dip in sale of firecrackers this Diwali. Earlier, the tax on firecrackers was 14.5 per cent.

Even though the Supreme Court has banned firecrackers in Delhi and NCR till November 1, Diwali seems quieter in far away Ahmedabad. On the eve of Diwali on Wednesday, firecracker stalls in the city seemed few and far between, many wary of selling the more potent ones. Shopkeepers said that the rising cost of firecrackers due to 28 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) levy has resulted in a dip in sale of firecrackers this Diwali. Earlier, the tax on firecrackers was 14.5 per cent.

Kalubhai Patni, who sells firecrackers in Keshavbaug, said his business was down by 70 per cent this year. “I feel this is mainly due to GST. Till last year, customers used to buy crackers worth Rs 1,000 on an average, which is now down to Rs 300,” he said. Rupesh Patni, who works at Jay Vihot Firecrackers in Vastrapur, said, “Due to GST, the prices of crackers have increased by 30 per cent. This has made selling firecrackers very difficult… There has been a drop of 40-50 per cent in the sale.”

“Every year, sales pick up a month or so before Diwali, but this time the business is still slow,” said Hotchand Kishandas, a worker at Kamlesh Seasonal Stores in Shahpur. He was however hopeful that business will pick up in the upcoming wedding season. ”On Sundays, we usually do business of Rs 5,000-6,000 every year, but this time, it has come down to Rs 1,000-2,000,” said Aslam Usma Gani, a hawker at Shahpur. On the other hand, most of the customers said that they are buying less crackers because of environmental concern.

Amish Thaker (27), an entrepreneur, said the dip in the sale has more to do with awareness about the harmful effects of crackers. Akash Kanodia (24), a web designer, said, “When my nephew and niece want to burst crackers, I explain them how harmful and unsafe these are for humans, animals and environment. I am a strong advocate of pan-India ban on firecrackers. Diwali is a festival of lights, not firecrackers.”.

Vandana Meghnani (22), a fashion designer, echoed: “Bursting of firecrackers leads to pollution, which results in global warming. I personally believe that we should stop this and start celebrating Diwali in a unique way like by helping poor.” Jaimin Prajapati, a worker at Gangotri Seasonal Stores in the city’s Shahpur area, agreed. He said that “eco-friendly and indigenous” firecrackers are being sold most. “This has helped us to keep our business a little above our sale margin, which is low by 5-6 per cent this year,” he said.