Rajkot , November 2: Adding a political and patriotic colour to Diwali, firecrackers named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's recently acquired fighter jets Rafael have hit local markets in Gujarat's Rajkot.

While the Rafael skyshots and Modi bomb are bringing in the much-needed demand the shop owners are looking for, the business is still not on par with the preceding years.

"Every business sector is facing problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government is bringing in new guidelines which is adversely affecting the businesses. The government has said not to burst crackers after 10 pm. This may prevent people from buying more firecrackers," said Aakash, a firecracker shopowner in Rajkot said on Monday. Diwali 2020: Firecrackers Sale Banned in Rajasthan to Protect COVID-19 Patients and Public from Their Ill-Effects.

Firecracker merchants in the city believe that the people will buy fewer firecrackers due to the government order on not bursting firecrackers between 10 pm and 6 am.

"The economic impact of the pandemic has also affected the buyers and they are also avoiding spending much of firecrackers this Diwali. Our profit margin has also reduced on firecrackers," Aakash said.

He further said that manufacturers have also launched firecrackers named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rafale but even they are unable to attract enough buyers. 'Diwali Bonanza': Maharashtra Power Minister Nitin Raut Hints at Relief Amid Complaints of 'Inflated Electricity Bills'.

Another shopowner in the area, Chetanbhai, said that no Chinese firecrackers have been imported this year due to the ongoing border tension with the neighboring country. "Most of the firecrackers being sold this year were made in India," he said.

Diwali, popularly called the festival of lights, is celebrated with lighting earthen lamps and bursting crackers. This year, the festival will be celebrated on November 14.

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