20 October,2022 10:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Sukanya Datta
A plantable cracker by Bombay Greens grows shoots
It is hard to part with the sparkle of a phuljhadi, dash of a chakri and the crackle of an anar, even though we are witness to the smoggy pollution they collectively conjure. But to encourage Diwali revellers to go green, a community of craftswomen from Sanganer in Rajasthan is tapping into the nostalgia of our favourite childhood fireworks. Their beej patakas are look-alikes of firecrackers, except that instead of gunpowder, they pack in seeds. All you need to do is soak them in water, and then plant them in a pot. Their assorted set comprises anar which will spurt tomatoes; chakri which will give way to cucumber; sutli crackers that pack chilli seeds; a sparkle bomb that grows into pumpkins; and a naagin laadi that's embedded with fenugreek, carrot, mustard, chilli and radish seeds. The proceeds support the community of artists and craftswomen.
Log on to: 21fools.com/products/beej-patakha
Cost: Rs 399
A curated marketplace of eco-friendly brands, Amala Earth stocks the perfect crackers that will eventually turn into a floral dream. This packet of five cracker look-alikes consists of sunflower and marigold seeds, among other greens. The seed bombs can be grown in a pot or in your garden.
Log on to: amala.earth
Cost: Rs 700
Plantable mithais too, anyone? Bombay Greens offers eco-friendly crackers with a laddoo, all packed with seeds. From roselle to radish, and spinach to golden shower tree and senna tora, these seed crackers and mithais offer the promise of a host of plants. Rural women self-help groups have crafted them as part of a livelihood programme. Simply soak them, and sow to watch the magic.
Log on to: bombaygreens.com
Cost: Rs 699
Bright red laadis, sparkly phuljhadis, or colourful rockets - what's your poison? Sustainable platform The Terra Co has got it all, in eco-friendly avatars. Their plantable crackers come in sets of chakris, rockets, phuljhadis, rockets, sutli bombs, anar bombs and more, as well as customised boxes comprising few of each. Their beej patakas are inspired by the tradition of terracotta toys and are hand-moulded by women artisans. Our pick is this glorious bunch of laadis, which contains seeds of red capsicum, red kale microgreens, amaranthus, beet ruby red baby leaves and cherry tomatoes. Also check out the super rockets that stuff neem, sandalwood and bamboo seeds, and pop-pops that will bloom into wheatgrass microgreens, oatgrass microgreens, kale baby leaves, komatsuna baby leaves, purple basil microgreens and curly endive baby leaves.
Log on to: @theterracoindia or brownliving.in
Cost: Rs 540 onwards
Heard of rockets and bombs that turn into onions and cucumbers? Dhaani Foods' handcrafted plantable cracker set of nine firepots, rockets, laadis and more promise to charm any kitchen garden, making them the ideal gift this Diwali.
Log on to: dhaanifoods.com
Cost: Rs 890
Congestion of the throat and chest, respiratory tract issues, air and noise pollution, increased exposure to toxic chemicals and a traumatic experience for animals are among the many side effects of lighting up firecrackers on and around the festival of lights.
