Diwali in Gangtok

Gangtok was celebrating Diwali the day I got back. We spent the evening upstairs watching fireworks go off all over the city. When I walked up to the balcony, I was greeted by smoke and loud noises--fireworks are illegal here in Sikkim but still very much available. Bangs, whistles, and whines were the noises of the day as we covered our mouths in the rising smoke. I tried some flaky Indian sweets that other people had brought over and watched Prerna light some fireworks of our own--these were the little ones, more like friendship fountains and sparklers than actual fireworks. Dinner that night was especially fun because it was the first time I ate with my hands. I learned the right technique, mixing the rice with the daal and potatoes and creamy pumpkin and green beans before scooping it up in my right hand and using my thumb to push it into my mouth-but I still looked pretty silly eating that way. Diwali lasted a few more days--there was a certain energy to the city at that time. The lights seemed brighter at night and during the day the garlands of marigolds hanging from most doorways were another reminder of the festival.