This Diwali, Mahesh Syndicate launches The Special Legacy Diwali Sale as the company honours its late founder, Mahesh Kumar, who played a pivotal role in introducing a wide variety of fireworks to Fiji since the 1970s.
Mahesh Syndicate Director Vinay Kumar says this year's special diwali legacy sale is particularly emotional for the company, following the passing of its founder three months ago.
Kumar says Mahesh Kumar was instrumental in shaping Fiji's fireworks industry, introducing several types of fireworks that became popular among Fijians and helped establish large-scale commercial fireworks sales in the country.
He says some of the fireworks introduced by the late founder, including the Single Shot Double Bang, Single Shot Thunder King and Egg Cracker, remain popular today.
Kumar says the company is proud to honour his contribution and continue the legacy he established over the past five decades.
Speaking about the significance of Diwali, Kumar says the festival represents the triumph of good over evil and is a time for reflection, spreading kindness and strengthening relationships with those around us.
He says Diwali has grown in significance around the world, with people from different communities and backgrounds joining in the celebrations.
Meanwhile, he says this year has been particularly challenging for the fireworks importation industry, with new compliance requirements in Fiji, restrictions in China and increased freight costs affecting the availability and prices of fireworks.
Kumar says following explosions at fireworks manufacturing facilities in China in early May, additional restrictions and certification requirements were introduced, creating further challenges for importers.
He says freight costs for dangerous goods have also increased by around 30 to 35 percent.
Kumar says fireworks importation in Fiji is now subject to increased regulation, with the Ministry of Defence also involved alongside the Ministry of Mineral Resources.
He says these additional compliance requirements have increased the overall cost of importing fireworks, with some products also unable to receive the necessary certification in time for this year's sales.
Kumar says this has resulted in fewer fireworks being available in the Fijian market, with only a handful of companies managing to import supplies this year.
He says sales have remained relatively stagnant, with the company expecting more customers in the final days leading up to Diwali as families usually prioritise their grocery shopping and traditional outfits before purchasing fireworks.
Kumar says Mahesh Syndicate has managed to bring in around 40 to 45 varieties of fireworks this year, despite the challenges adding the range includes cakes, fountains, sparklers, pop-ups and small crackers.
Mahesh Syndicate Operations Manager Nishant Kumar also reflects on growing up with fireworks from Mahesh Syndicate, saying his family has been purchasing from the company since his grandfather's generation.
Kumar says the tradition has continued through his parents, siblings and cousins, and he has also introduced his friends to the fireworks sold by the company.
He says he has personally enjoyed fireworks from Mahesh Syndicate for the past 20 years and hopes to continue that tradition.
Kumar is also reminding the public to follow the permitted fireworks hours, with fireworks allowed between 5pm and 10pm on most days.
He says an exception has been made for Diwali on Sunday, 8th November, allowing fireworks to be used between 5pm and midnight.
The Director and Operations Manager of Mahesh Syndicate have also wished all safe and happy Diwali.
