Sanganeri sparkle

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