History of Firecrackers in India: Origin, Diwali & Industry 2026
Firecrackers have a long history, from early Chinese gunpowder experiments to royal celebrations in medieval India. Explore their connection with Diwali and the Indian fireworks industry in 2026.
The festival of Diwali is celebrated to hail the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Tulsidas’s epic ‘Ramcharitmanas’ details the celebrations, however, there is no mention of firecrackers being burst in Ayodhya. In fact, a specific verse in his creation states – “There was a sound from the sky, the whole Ayodhya was decorated with flowers, a special fragrance was scattered in the streets.”
So, if there is no mention of firecrackers in a known account of Lord Rama’s story, it begs the question – When, where, and how did firecrackers originate?
As per a September 2026 market report, the global fireworks market was estimated at USD 2.31 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 2.46 billion in 2026. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.47% from 2026 to 2032, reaching USD 3.59 billion by 2032. Asia-Pacific continues to be a dominant region in the global fireworks market.
History of Firecrackers in India
The Chinese discovered firecrackers, quite by accident, between 2000 and 2200 years ago. Local folklore says that the Chinese burnt bamboo to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The air caught in the bamboo shaft caused it to expand and burst as it caught fire– a good way to scare away evil spirits. The sound that emanated from that is thought to be the original firecracker.
Following that sound, the alchemists of the day experimented with various chemicals and invented a mixture that added more sound to the ‘bamboo pop’. This mixture was a precursor to today’s gunpowder, which was then perfected over the next century.
From there on, the gunpowder technology and the associated pyrotechnical entertainment mixtures found their way to India through the Arabs.
The late historian P.K. Gode wrote and published an account "History of Fireworks in India between 1400 and 1900" in 1950. In the account, he states that the use of fireworks in the celebration of Diwali, which is so common in India now, must have come into existence after 1400 AD when gunpowder came to be used in Indian warfare. The earliest accounts of fireworks being used in India were recorded around that time. Kautukachintamani, a Sanskrit volume by Gajapati Prataparudradeva (1497-1539), mentions the formulas for manufacturing firecrackers.
Timeline of Firecracker Use in India
Abdur Razzaq, the ambassador of the Timurid Sultan Shahrukh to the court of Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara kingdom mentions one of the earliest accounts of fireworks in 1443. His description of the Mahanavami festival mentions– “One cannot without entering into great detail mention all the various kinds of pyrotechny and squibs and various other arrangements which were exhibited.”
Throughout history, there are various accounts of the use of fireworks being used for different reasons. In 1518, fireworks were used in Gujarat to celebrate weddings. In 1609, the Sultan of Bijapur, Ibrahim Adil Shah, spent INR 80,000 on firecrackers.
For a few centuries, the use of fireworks was limited to royalty, and it depicted a sign of prosperity and grandeur during the Mughal era. Weddings and coronations were usually celebrated with fireworks. It was only in the 18th century that the use of fireworks by the masses began when the Maratha rulers began organizing fireworks displays for the general public.
Damini Bhandary
The Fireworks Industry in India
Indian industries began manufacturing firecrackers only after independence when the first fireworks factory was established in Kolkata. Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu became the manufacturing hub of firecrackers. Two brothers, P. Ayya Nadar, and Shanmuga Nadar set up two factories that first made sparklers, more popularly known as ‘phooljhadi’. Even today, the city of Sivakasi has over 6.5 lakh families who are directly or indirectly dependent on this industry for their livelihood.
Like every other industry, the firecracker industry in India also suffered during the COVID-19 in 2020. For an industry that has an estimated worth of INR 5,000 crores, it produced only INR 3000 crores worth of firecrackers that year. The industry woes, however, continued into 2021 as several states, including Odisha, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Haryana, announced a complete or partial ban on firecrackers.
According to an October 2026 report by Business Standard, India's fireworks industry is worth approximately INR 6,000 crore, with Sivakasi accounting for around INR 5,100 crore. The report also states that nearly 80% of Sivakasi's sales come from the Diwali market.
T. Kannan, Director at Sree Balaji Fireworks and the General Secretary of the Indian Fireworks Manufacturers Association, said, “If the ban continues for the coming years, we wouldn’t have any definite policy to manufacture. We were not prepared for the ban from these states. Firecrackers create pollution in the mind of people and not much in reality,”
After the pandemic, the Supreme Court banned firecrackers, adding restrictions on exports due to quality concerns. To reduce air and noise pollution, the Court instructed firecracker manufacturers to make only "green" or "low-emission" crackers. Developing these eco-friendly crackers has been assigned to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Fireworks Research and Development Center in Tamil Nadu. However, using these alternative materials is twice as costly.
In the future, if the firecracker industry has to survive and thrive, it has to undergo a transition to make it environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and contribute towards decent work for all those who are dependent on it. The industry has to be supported by enabling government policies, promote innovation, and be based on a coherent framework.
Key Facts About Fireworks Industry in Industry
| Indicator | Reported position in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Estimated Indian industry value | Around INR 6,000 crore |
| Estimated Sivakasi industry value | Around INR 5,100 crore |
| Main seasonal market | Diwali |
| Other demand periods | Vishu, Ganesh Chaturthi, weddings, and other celebrations |
| Emerging opportunity | International exports and improved manufacturing standards |
Sivakasi's manufacturers are also exploring export opportunities. International buyers, manufacturing standards, logistics, and worker safety will play important roles in the industry's future growth.
The Impact of the Firecrackers Ban on Sivakasi
Firecracker Regulations in India: What Has Changed by 2026?
Firecracker regulations in India have changed over time in response to air pollution, public health concerns, noise, and safety risks.
The Supreme Court has issued several orders concerning the sale and use of firecrackers, including restrictions on certain products and provisions relating to approved green crackers. The rules applicable to a particular festival can depend on the latest court orders and local government directions.
In Delhi, the Department of Environment published directions for a complete ban on the sale and use of firecrackers, with its official page updated on 22 October 2026. This means readers should not assume that green crackers are automatically permitted in Delhi simply because they are available elsewhere.
For other cities and states, readers should check the latest official orders before buying or using firecrackers.
The Future of India's Firecracker Industry
The future of the Indian fireworks industry depends on more than festive demand. Manufacturers must also respond to environmental concerns, worker safety, quality standards, and changing regulations.
Sivakasi's established manufacturing base offers opportunities for modernisation and exports. Better production processes, research, quality control, and safer working conditions could help the industry compete in international markets.
At the same time, responsible growth will require manufacturers and policymakers to address the risks associated with fireworks production and use.
Conclusion
The future of the firecracker industry is dependent on various factors. However, there is no proof that it has any historical connection to the celebrations at Ayodhya on the arrival of Lord Rama. The only scriptural evidence is the lighting of Diyas which reflected the joy of the city's people.
History proves that firecrackers are a legacy of the Chinese and the Mughals no older than 2200 years. It is in no way an inseparable part of Diwali celebrations. The bursting of firecrackers is a recent North Indian phenomenon that gained prominence when firecrackers were made available to the masses.
FAQs
How large is the fireworks industry?
The global market for fireworks was estimated to be worth $2485.7 million in 2021 and is expected to grow to $3219.9 million by the year 2027.
Why is Diwali celebrated with fireworks?
Diwali is celebrated with fireworks with the intention of keeping off all the evil spirits and also adding a sense of liveliness to the festive spirit.
Who invented firecrackers first?
It is believed that it was the Chinese who discovered firecrackers, quite by accident, between 2000 and 2200 years ago.
Where crackers made in India?
Sivakasi, a city in the Virudhunagar District of Tamil Nadu, India, is famous for its firecracker and match factories, which supply about 70% of the country's production.
Who invented crackers in India?
India's first fireworks factory was established in Kolkata in the 19th century by a man named Gopal Mahindram.
Where are firecrackers made in India?
Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is India's principal fireworks manufacturing hub. The city and its surrounding region support a large network of manufacturers and related businesses.
Who started firecracker manufacturing in India?
Fireworks manufacturing in India developed over several centuries. A factory was established in Kolkata in the 19th century, while P. Ayya Nadar and Shanmuga Nadar helped develop Sivakasi into a major manufacturing centre after Independence.
How large is the global fireworks industry in 2026?
A September 2026 market report estimated the global fireworks market at USD 2.46 billion in 2026. It projected growth to USD 3.59 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.47%.
Are firecrackers banned in India in 2026?
There is no single answer that applies uniformly to every location and date. Restrictions vary according to court orders and local government directions. Delhi's Environment Department published complete-ban directions updated on 22 October 2026. Check the latest official rules for your state or city before purchasing or using firecrackers.
