Chinese crackers are occupying at least 50 per cent space in most cracker shops

MUMBAI: The invasion of Chinese goods is no longer confined to torch and batteries but a whole new array of typically Indian stuff such as a bright orange, pink and purple plastic bunter screaming Happy Diwali and comes for Rs50 only. A close look at the product reveals the fine prints — Made in China.

Even goddess Laxmi appears to have gone for a total makeover both in features and outlook. Enclosed in the glass case or crystal, goddess Laxmi is like a girl nextdoor with painted face and two hands, sitting pretty on a podium.

Whether it is the Dadar Market, Diwali Stores (Churchgate) or Shopping Malls (Worli), all of them have fancy stocks of India Made-in-China deities. A manager at Malad Shopping Mall said, “Unlike in the past, this year the thrust is on picking up crystal deity as it has long shelf life. In Feng Shui, it is considered lucky.” Krishna Kumar, 25, said, “I have no problems with Chinese goods as long as it suits my budget. The Chinese Laxmi has a glossy look. It is also cheaper.”

Besides Chinese deities invading the pooja rooms, the Chinese crackers seems to have captured the sky. How else does one explain the 40 per cent rise in the demand for Chinese crackers in local markets.

Whether it is a big store or a small stall, all of them have at least 50 per cent space for Chinese crackers. Golden Spider for Rs600, Flying Fish for Rs750 or Crackling Diamond for Rs450 are giving the local brands Shivakasi and Kerela Beauty crackers a stiff competition.

Shankar who has put up a cracker shop said, “Chinese fireworks provide a great spectacle. A packet of Crackling Diamond has two pieces of bomb-like crackers. When lit with fire, it shoots up in the sky like a hi-speech rocket and explodes with a loud noise covering the sky with million multi-coloured stars.”

Unlike our desi anaars, the Chinese crackers provide visual delight for longer period. Even the rockets made in China are bigger in size and make more impact.