What's in 'A' name? Everything, say numerologists
Sivakasi | Sunday, Nov 22 2009 IST
 

Numerologists' bug seems to have bitten this famous firecracker hub, housing about 8,000 factories and producing 90 per cent of the total fireworks output, with the local body deciding to add one more 'a' to its name so that the town is spelt as 'Sivakaasi' to ward off 'the evil eye responsible for many fatal accidents in the units and bring prosperity.' The 33-member Municipal Council unanimously passed the resolution on Friday hoping to bring about peace and prosperity to this town which is also the home to gigantic printing presses with in-house studios and artists producing a kaleidoscopic range of colourful posters and calendar art for millions in India.

The country's firecracker capital Sivakasi has been bitten by a numerology bug and wants to add one more 'a' to its name so that the town is spelt as Sivakaasi. It is believed that changing the spelling will be propitious. There are almost 400 manufacturers based in this industrial city producing almost every kind of fireworks which are exported to various countries.

The numerologists' advice comes on the back of several accidents in the firecracker units this year due to the lack of safety norms.

The change in spelling is expected to ward off the evil eye. Accidents have been part and parcel of the town's pyrotechnic industry. For example over ten people were killed and 30 injured in a blaze at a fireworks manufacturing unit in July this year.

The soothsayers are believed to have convinced Municipal Vice-Chairman A M S G Ashokan of the Congress on the need to change the spelling to ensure no unfortunate incident took place if the town's spelling was changed The town also produces safety matches and colour matches. In fact, Sivakasi today contributes 80 per cent of India's total safety matches production.

Sources said the proposal is now expected to go before the Tamil Nadu Government for approval with the extra 'A' becoming Sivakaasi's guardian angel.

-- (UNI) -- 22MS1.xml

 

Viewer's Comment Comments Not Available

More Stories

China sacks four officials in Tibet for endangering stability 

Ahsan confirms Gilani will appear before Pak SC on Feb 13 to face indictment over contempt charges 

Nine men jailed for London Stock Exchange bomb plot 

Marines posed for photo with Nazi SS symbol in Afghanistan 

Google manufacturing home entertainment device 

Obama administration urged to deploy tactics to kill Taliban leaders like al Qaeda 

Army chief withdraws case against Govt. in Supreme Court on age row (Update) 

How brain differentiates between left and right 

Printer Friendly Version