A town that makes colour
Sivakasi makes a large share of India's fireworks and safety matches, and its printing presses turn out calendars, diaries, labels and packaging for the whole country. The old town's lanes are lined with presses, shops and offices and are busy all day. Colonies along the roads to Virudhunagar, Sattur and Srivilliputhur are more open, with independent houses and a few apartment blocks.
When you ask for a quote, give the exact address, the floor and whether a truck can stand outside.
Fireworks, matches and safety
Fireworks and match units are spread across the countryside around Sivakasi, with strict safety rules. Household movers never carry fireworks, matches or other inflammable goods; if you have any at home, dispose of them safely or leave them behind before the crew arrives. Families who work in these industries should keep factory items completely separate from household goods.
The Deepavali season
In the months leading up to Deepavali, factories work at full capacity, trucks carrying fireworks and printed goods leave for every part of India, and the town is at its busiest. Crews and trucks are in demand. If you can, move after Deepavali, in December or January.
Hot, dry country
Sivakasi lies in one of Tamil Nadu's drier districts, hot for much of the year and especially from about March to June. Load early and keep candles, medicines and electronics in your car. Most rain comes with the north-east monsoon, roughly October to December.
December to February is usually the most comfortable window.
Printing presses and paper
If you run or work in a printing business and are moving presses, paper stock or finished goods, keep them on a separate list with their own paperwork, and ask whether heavy machinery needs a different vehicle.
Festivals and temple days
The Bhadrakali Amman temple festival, Pongal and, above all, Deepavali shape the town's calendar, and the Srivilliputhur Andal temple's car festival draws large crowds nearby. Book early if your date falls near one.
Local moves
Many local moves go from the old town to a colony on the main roads, or between Sivakasi and Sattur, Srivilliputhur, Thiruthangal, Virudhunagar or Rajapalayam. Share both exact addresses.
Common moves out of Sivakasi
Common moves from Sivakasi go north to Madurai and south to Tirunelveli. Our route guides cover both.
First weeks in a Sivakasi home
Ask about the water supply, which can be limited in summer, and whether the house has storage. Book internet early. Tamil is the main language. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the records to update.
Workers and families
Many workers in the factories and presses come from surrounding villages or other districts and rent rooms. Their moves are usually small; a few-items move suits them. If several people share a room, ask for each person's goods to be labelled separately.
Packing for heat and dust
Ask for carton seams taped, mattresses and sofas wrapped, and wooden furniture covered in blankets. Keep paper, books and documents in sealed cartons.
Virudhunagar next door
Virudhunagar, the district headquarters a short drive north, is a trading town for chillies, oil and pulses, and many Sivakasi families have relatives or businesses there. Moves between the two are frequent and usually take a morning.
Srivilliputhur's temple tower
Srivilliputhur, south-west of Sivakasi, is famous for the Andal temple, whose tower appears on Tamil Nadu's state emblem, and for its palkova sweet. Many families move between Srivilliputhur and Sivakasi. The temple car festival in the Tamil month of Aadi draws very large crowds.