Kolkata: Innovative fireworks are pulling crowds to this year’s Bazi Bazaar at Sahid Minar Maidan, where NEERI-approved products from Sivakasi are being sold at sharply reduced prices.The biggest buzz is around fireworks that move, rise, spin or unfold into colourful displays. Drone and helicopter items are among the top attractions. Once lit, they spin, lift off and release sparkling effects in the air, offering buyers something beyond traditional crackers.“The drone and helicopter fireworks are getting a lot of attention because they move and rise before releasing sparkles. People want something different this year, and these items give them that visual surprise,” said fireworks retailer Sushil Golcha.The drone firework, priced at an MRP of Rs 1,200 for a packet of five, is being sold for Rs 450-500 at the bazaar. The helicopter firework, with an MRP of Rs 775, is available for Rs 350.Flowerpot-style fireworks are another major draw. The lotus flowerpot, designed to open into a lotus-like display, has become one of the most popular items this season. Its MRP is Rs 4,800, but it is retailing for around Rs 1,400.The elephant flowerpot is also attracting families. Shaped like an elephant, it releases repeated flower fountains from its trunk after being lit, with the display lasting around a minute. It carries an MRP of Rs 3,300 and is selling for Rs 1,250.“Families are choosing items like the lotus, elephant and peacock because they look attractive and run longer. These are centrepiece fireworks for home celebrations,” said retailer Sushil Golcha.The car race baji offers movement on the ground. After ignition, the car moves forward in three bursts, stops, and then releases fountains. With an MRP of Rs 2,500, it is being sold for Rs 975.The peacock baji, shaped like a peacock, opens into flames and colour. Its MRP is Rs 1,170, while the sale price is Rs 475. The 100-shot multicolour firework, which runs for around three minutes, is also finding takers. It has an MRP of Rs 3,650 and is available for Rs 1,500.Other popular items include sparklers for children, colourful fountains, crackling fountains, silver fountains and a green fountain that rises like a Christmas tree to around 60 ft.The bazaar also has Magical Mushroom, Macau and Swastik chakras. Magical Mushroom and Macau are fountain-style fireworks that release colourful sparkles. The Magical Mushroom has an MRP of Rs 1,743 and is retailing for Rs 700, while Macau, priced at Rs 1,048, is selling for Rs 500. A box of Swastik chakras contains five units, carries an MRP of Rs 2,028 and is being sold for Rs 600.“Young buyers are showing interest in shots and shell items, while families are picking sparklers, fountains and decorative fireworks,” said retailer Md Arif.
