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Barpeta atasbazi/atasbaji udyog

 

The 130-Year-Old Fireworks Industry of Barpeta

Barpeta, a district in lower Assam known for its rich cultural heritage and Satras, also hides a dazzling secret — a 130-year-old fireworks industry known locally as Atoshbaji. Older than Tamil Nadu’s famed Sivakasi, the Barpeta firework tradition, or Fotoka, as it was once called, remains a shining example of heritage craftsmanship passed down through generations.

 

Founded by Lakshiram Pathak of Majorhati in the late 19th century, the industry began after Pathak studied a Bengali book on Chinese firework techniques in 1885. His craftsmanship caught the attention of Queen Victoria herself, who awarded him a gold medal and granted him land to grow his venture. Over time, his descendants and other Pathak family members expanded the trade, leading to the formation of five active Atoshbaji units in Barpeta today.

 

Among these, one of the most prominent and longest-running manufacturers is Lakhiram Atoshbaji Factory, still managed by the descendants of Lakshiram Pathak. Other notable manufacturers include Rajmata Fireworks, Assam Fireworks, Barpeta Sparklers, and Pathak Brothers Atoshbaji, each with its own specialty in crafting traditional fireworks.

 

Despite its historical roots and popularity during Diwali, marriages, and festivals, the industry still operates on manual labor and lacks modern machinery. These five units handcraft 30–35 varieties of fireworks including Asman Gola, Phuljari, Mata, Fanush, Atom Bomb, and unique alphabet fireworks like Letter Gash and Cherkhy Gash. Their vibrant displays rival machine-made products from Sivakasi and China, yet struggle for visibility due to weak marketing and transportation limitations — Barpeta still lacks a railway station.

To boost this cottage industry, the Assam government sanctioned ₹7 crore under the Chief Minister’s Development Fund to build a dedicated Atoshbaji Village across 30 acres, with each unit receiving two acres. Infrastructure is being developed by AIIDC, including a common facility centre. Additionally, the Barpeta fireworks have now been granted a logo by the National Institute of Design, Jorhat, offering a unique brand identity to help establish their market presence.

 

The industry not only preserves Assamese artisanal skill but also supports local employment and rural livelihood. However, competition from cheap imports, lack of awareness among consumers, and regulatory bottlenecks pose challenges. The SWOT analysis indicates strong product quality and heritage value but highlights threats from modernization gaps and lack of communication infrastructure.

 

Barpeta’s firework units continue to glow, quite literally, with potential. With government backing, improved connectivity, and brand promotion, this age-old industry can reclaim its rightful place in India’s festival economy — not just as a regional gem, but as a national pride.