Diwali is all about dressing up, lighting diyas, and bursting crackers. The festival is majorly celebrated by Hindus across the nation. One Muslim community from Jaipur has been contributing in their own way to make this festival special. They are known to manufacture firecrackers. It has been their traditional practice ever since their ancestors came from Afghanistan and settled in Amer, Rajasthan. The Shorgar community has indulged themselves in the manufacturing process for the last 300 years.
The Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur, besides being a cultural hotspot, is also a historical hub. Moreover, the city is also popular for its spectacular Diwali celebrations, in the realm of fireworks, to be specific. These firecrackers, manufactured by the Shorgar community, are also in huge demand by the royal family. The community has taken the responsibility to provide the most sought-after crackers to the common people as well.
The ancestors of these manufacturers were skilled at producing firecrackers for celebrations. The products manufactured by them were even sold in northwestern India. They have earned widespread fame for creating crackers, specifically for kings and royal families. The Shorgars hold a distinctive place when it comes to the business of firecrackers for royalty for the past three centuries.
“Shora” refers to sodium. For those unversed, sodium is the key ingredient in firecracker production. This has led them to earn the moniker Shorgar by the royal family. The Shorgars first presented their skill to King Mansingh in Jaipur. While appreciating them, the king granted them a princely state in Amer, where they started producing exclusive crackers for the royal family.
As per the reports, approximately 1,500 Shorgar families in Jaipur are involved in this process. There are an additional 5,000 members in Rajasthan, who have linked themselves to the craft of producing crackers. Their renowned firework establishments include Hawa Mahal, which is one of the most visited destinations for its unusual and intriguing creations. People from different cities and states visit Jaipur to purchase firecrackers and enjoy a 50% discount on their purchases.