Hyderabad to Host 100‑Year Fireworks Display at People’s Plaza

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad will witness a spectacular fireworks display this Saturday and Sunday to commemorate 100 years of the Indian fireworks industry. The Telangana Fireworks Dealers Association is organising the Shatabdi Utsav at People’s Plaza, Hussainsagar, promising a colourful mosaic of light and sound.

The industry, which began in 1926, has grown from matchbox production to nearly 300 varieties of firecrackers, providing large‑scale employment and enhancing celebrations across India. Association member M. Balaiah said Hyderabad would witness “the best of the firecracker display at People’s Plaza.”

Convener Manik Rao traced the origins to Chinna Nadar of St Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, who introduced matchbox manufacturing to Sivakasi in the 1920s. Early production included ‘Bengal Matches’, later expanding to flower pots, chakkars and crackers, with knowledge gained from artisans in Kumbakonam and Kerala.

Students and youth expressed excitement. “This will be another Diwali for us,” said Thea Gala, a college student.

History professor Saraswathi explained that fireworks reached India via medieval trade routes from China, later used in royal weddings and military celebrations. She noted that fireworks also marked India’s first Independence Day in 1947, with cities like Allahabad celebrating with lamps, cultural events and pyrotechnics.