Lucknow: From the traditional 10,000-wala garland cracker (also known as chatai) to 100-shot sky fireworks, Diwali cracker preferences in the city are evolving, with buyers gravitating towards a wider range of options.While toy guns, popping crackers and mirchi bombs remain popular among children, teenagers are increasingly opting for sky shots, colourful aerial fireworks and five-colour anaars.At markets across the city, sellers say customers are choosing crackers based on their visual appeal, number of shots and price. Five-colour anaars remain a favourite among families, while 100-shot sky fireworks are particularly popular among youngsters.Multi-shot barrages, colourful rockets and various types of fountain fireworks are also drawing attention.“The excitement of Diwali remains the same, but the variety has increased considerably. Earlier, we mostly bought 10,000-wala garlands, sutli bombs, chakris and phuljharis. Now, children want everything from toy guns to sky shots,” said 25-year-old Rohan Verma.Cracker seller Mohan Gupta said sky shots, ranging from 12-shot and 25-shot variants to 50-shot and 100-shot fireworks, along with multi-colour aerial barrages, were attracting youngsters.Priya Srivastava said she enjoys fireworks that offer both sound and visual spectacle. She added that her family also purchases 10,000-wala garland crackers for their continuous bursts and traditional Diwali appeal.“Cracker shopping in Lucknow is no longer limited to a few traditional varieties. Customers are exploring everything from mirchi bombs, sutli bombs and 10,000-wala garlands to spinning chakris, pencil crackers, rockets, sparklers and different fountain fireworks. Many families prefer buying a mixed collection so that everyone at home, from children to adults, has something of their choice,” said cracker trader Imran Khan.
