Fireworks are banned by the high court this Diwali, but not taste bombs.

Subhadip Modak, a professional chef, and his wife Sudipta, who reside in Collegepara of Raiganj town, have hit upon a cracker of an idea. The chef, helped by his wife, are shaping chocolates — both dark and milk — modelled on crackers to help people celebrate Diwali.

Subhadip, who used to work as a chef at a hotel in Goa, had returned home after the Covid-19-induced lockdown was clamped across the country. Since then, he has been staying at home.

It’s been a strange year for him, but he pointed out that amid the Covid-19 pandemic, doctors and environmentalists had time and again asked people to abstain from bursting crackers this time during Diwali.

Calcutta High Court also imposed a ban on the sale and use of crackers because of the pandemic.

Subhadip said the situation made him put on his thinking cap.

“I thought of making cracker-haped chocolates. Also, to pack the chocolates, I am using wrappers and stickers similar to wrappers and stickers of normal crackers. These are packed in boxes that look like those that contain crackers. I want children and people who will miss the crackers to get a feel of them,” said the chef.

Along with his wife Sudipta, Subhadip is now busy making and wrapping chocolates that look like chocolate bombs, charki (light spinner), tubri (flower pot) and tarabati (sparkler sticks).

A box “cracker chocolates,” Subhadip said, comes for Rs 250. “There will be an assorted collection of chocolates. “We offer doorstep delivery,” he said.

Those who eat chocolates sparingly or are on a diet can safely store chocolates for four to five months in the refrigerator, added the chef.

This innovative initiative has earned the appreciation of Raiganj residents.

“It is evident that many children would feel disappointed without crackers this Diwali. These chocolates are a good alternative for them during the coming festivities,” said Dilip Pal, a trader based in the town.