Smiley, 'magic whip' among debutants

Madurai: Like every year, fireworks manufacturers in Sivakasi have come out with fancy ideas and innovations to replace some of the conventional fireworks. Customers also seem to be keenly awaiting the new ones on the shelf.
Toy items have been one of the innovations this year. For instance, the 'Smiley' by Standard Fireworks glitters with colours in its eyes. It is a regular fountain packed inside a smiley toy.As the fuse is lit, the smiley glows giving an expression of laughing, said Kanthasamy, store in-charge of Standard Fireworks at Viraganoor.
Another item called 'sci-fi' gives a peacock effect as the fountain goes off. The manufacturers have also come out with a toy tank named 'Crash or Rash'.
The box with six pieces has actual tank-model toys which on being lit goes around firing at will.
Another firm called Jumbo Fireworks has introduced two spectacular items. One is a funny ground chakkar named 'Spinner Mouse' which is basically a chakkar that jumps like a mouse emitting red colour. It also gives a 'wheee' sound as it goes on.
Another cracker is 'magic whip' which resembles a long rope and when ignited and kept hanging or on the floor creates the sound of a whip which lasts for more than 15 seconds.
According to manufacturers, Tamil Nadu market has been dull compared to North India this year.