The garnal saiber or firecracker artisans of Tulunadu are much sought after for various cultural celebrations here in coastal Karnataka. Their participation at bhuta kola, festivals, weddings, birthday celebrations, housewarming and even funerals is a much anticipated event.
Garnal is a firecracker and saiber is a local reference to a Muslim person.
Ameer Husain, a garnal saiber from Mulki town, says his father taught him the craft, and the profession has been passed down for generations in their family.
“Throwing and handling firecrackers is a dangerous job, especially with bigger fireworks,” adds Nitesh Anchan, research associate at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka.
Mustaq Athrady, a young Muslim from Athradi village of Udupi district, makes and throws garnal at the bhuta rituals, and is especially skilled at making one of the most powerful garnal, the kadoni. “Kadoni is a bursting powder made of different chemicals made with an elaborate process,” he says. The explosion of kadoni is said to rattle the ground where it is burst.


