Types of Crackers Explained: Sparklers, Flower Pots, Chakkars, Rockets, Walas and More

A Sivakasi price list can run to more than a hundred lines, and the names – chakkar, bijili, sattai, lar, multishot – are not obvious if you have never bought crackers in bulk. Here is what each type of cracker actually does, so you can build a balanced order instead of guessing.

Sparklers

Sparklers are hand-held wires coated in a composition that burns slowly with bright sparks. They come in lengths from 7 cm to 50 cm, and in electric, crackling, colour and green varieties. Longer sparklers burn longer. They make no bang, so they are what children, elders and first-timers reach for, and they are the item families run out of first. Buy more than you think you need.

Flower pots

Flower pots (anar) are cone-shaped fountains placed on the ground. Once lit, they throw a tall shower of sparks for several seconds. They come in sizes from small to giant and in colour or crackling versions. They are quiet, spectacular and easy to light from a safe distance, which makes them the backbone of a family celebration.

Ground chakkars

Ground chakkars (chakri, ground spinners) spin on the floor in a circle of sparks. Big, deluxe and special chakkars spin longer and brighter. Light them on a hard, flat surface such as a road or terrace; they do not spin on grass or sand.

Pencils and sattai

The sattai and pencil category covers sticks that burn with colour or crackle, often held in the hand. They are a step up from sparklers for older children and a cheap way to add variety.

Sound crackers and bijili

Sound crackers are the ones that go bang: bombs such as the classic atom bomb, hydro bomb and king bomb. Bijili are small red crackers sold in bundles, each with a short, sharp pop. Light them, step well back, and keep them away from people, animals and vehicles.

Walas (laris)

A wala, or lari, is a long string of small crackers fused together that go off one after another in a continuous roll. They are counted by the number of crackers: 100, 1000, 2000, 5000 and up to 10000 wala. Walas are usually saved for the big moment – midnight, or the start of the celebration. Digital walas add a crackling, rhythmic finish.

Rockets

Rockets are launched from a bottle or tube, rise into the sky and burst with a whistle, a crackle or colour. Launch them in an open space, pointing straight up, well away from buildings, trees and wires.

Multishot and sky shots

Multishot items are boxes of tubes that fire one shell after another into the sky – 7, 12, 30, 60, 120 shots and more – each opening into colour. Light one fuse and the box gives you a small fireworks show. For the money they give the most dramatic effect of anything on the list, and they are the item most people remember.

Fancy fireworks and night series

Fancy fireworks and the night series are aerial shells and novelty effects built for the dark: peacock feathers, colour changes, crackling stars. They are best saved for later in the evening.

Kids items and toy fireworks

Kids items and toy fireworks are low-noise novelties picked to be gentle, with small effects and little or no bang. We have a separate guide to crackers for kids.

Gift boxes and family packs

If you would rather not choose item by item, gift boxes and family packs come ready-assorted. Read family pack vs gift box to see which suits you.

Putting it together

A balanced order has something quiet for everyone (sparklers, flower pots, chakkars), something loud for those who want it (bombs, walas), and something in the sky to finish (rockets, multishots). Browse each category in the crackers catalogue, or download the price list from the menu and plan it on paper.