On Diwali eve, buyers scramble for firecrackers in Jalandhar

Long queues of vehicles and a mad rush for crackers was witnessed at the patakha market" set up in Jalandhar today as residents scrambled to lay hands on crackers with just a day to go for Diwali.

With the market having been set up only on Saturday, the much-delayed designation of a site for the market has resulted in a mere two-day window for residents to buy crackers.

Established in a huge ground, also called the circus ground, near the Pathankot Chowk in Jalandhar, the market witnessed hundreds of vehicles parked at the site, including tempos, trucks (ferrying truckloads of crackers) and cars and bikes.

Due to the frequency of vehicles and the dry soil on the site, dust was everywhere.

Fire vehicles have also been deputed at the site to prevent any untoward incident. Meanwhile, police teams were also patrolling and remained deputed at the market to supervise law and order.

Roshan, a Jaladhar resident buying crackers, said, "The new site is a bit farther for us. Yet, I'm happy that the market has finally opened. I am procuring crackers for my kids."

Vantika, whose house is nearby, said, "We are hopeful that all safety arragements have been made on this site. We are buying little crackers in view of the pollution problem. But since my kids insisted, I am getting them some 'anaars' and 'fuljharis'".

A many as 20 wholesellers have set up cracker stalls.