Discover all educational resources in Sivakasi

For the film, see Sivakasi (film).

Sivakasi is a town in Virudhunagar District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is known for firecracker and match factories that produce 70% of the country's produce. The printing industries in Sivakasi produce 30% of the total diaries produced in India. The industries in Sivakasi employ over 25,000 people and the estimated turnover of the firecracker, match making and printing industries in the town is around 20 billion (US$320 million). The major issues in the town are the frequent accidents in the firecracker factories and the high level of child labour.

Sivakasi was established in the 15th century during the reign of the Pandya king Harikesari Parakkirama Pandian. The town was a part of Madurai and has been ruled at various times by Later Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Chanda Sahib, Carnatic kingdom and the British. A major riot during the British Raj took place in 1899.

Sivakasi has a dry weather, making it suitable for dry crops like cotton, chillies and millets. Badhrkali Amman temple is the most prominent landmark of Sivakasi, and the temple festivals constitute the major festivals of the town. AJ Indoor Stadium has a coaching center for badminton and is the major sporting venue of the town. Sivakasi is a part of Sivakasi constituency and elects its member of legislative assembly every five years, and a part of the Virudhunagar constituency that elects its member of parliament. Sivakasi is locally administered by a special-grade municipality which covers an area of 6.8 km² (2.6 sq mi). Roadways is the major mode of transport to the town, while it has also got rail connectivity. In 2001 Sivakasi had a population of 72,170.