Fireworks manufacturers, factory owners, workers, transporters, dealers and people from allied industries will hold a day-long dharna across India to urge the central and state governments to save Sivakasi fireworks industry that is standing on the verge of extinction due to threat of nation-wide ban on sales of firecrackers.

In Sivakasi, the fireworks manufacturing hub of the country, a joint rally by all the stake holders is planned for Wednesday at 10 a.m. Said TANFAMA secretary K Mariappan said there was threat to the livelihood and jobs of 8 lakh people in Tamil Nadu and nearly one crore people across the country if the Sivakasi firecrackers manufacturing industry is not rescued from a certain death.

“Indian festivals and traditional/ cultural functions cannot be celebrated with fireworks if adverse orders are passed,” the TANFAMA official said adding that in future the festivals could not be celebrated and there would be silent mourning as light, colour and sound will be missing from fireworks.

He appealed to all the fireworks manufacturers and dealers across the nation and shut down work for a day in sympathy with Sivakasi.