Festive Lights in the Heart of Kolkata

As the clock struck eight in the evening, the sky above Kolkata transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors. The chatter and laughter of families echoed through the streets, blending with the crackles and pops of fireworks. In our house, the excitement was palpable. My family, a vibrant mix of young and old, gathered on the rooftop, each with a sparkle in their eyes mirroring the sparklers in their hands.

My mother, sister, and grandmother chose the safer options - color torches and star showers, painting the night with hues of red, green, and blue. The children, with their eyes wide in wonder, lit 'chotpoti' fireworks, which we affectionately called 'Lanka bombs' due to their fiery display.

The real show, however, was happening in the sky. Rockets soared high, bursting into an array of colors, each outshining the last. The neighborhood joined in unison, with every rooftop becoming a stage for this symphony of lights. The new moon night, usually cloaked in darkness, was now alive with flickers of joy and celebration.

But amidst the visual spectacle, the sound of fireworks was equally enthralling. The streets were alive with groups of youngsters, setting off louder crackers like chocolate bombs, creating a symphony of sounds that resonated with the festive spirit.

As the night progressed, the intensity of the fireworks increased, reaching a crescendo that filled the sky with an unending shower of light. The air was heavy with the smell of gunpowder, a scent that became synonymous with celebration.

The night was a testament to the spirit of Kolkata - a city that comes alive with lights, sounds, and happiness. As the hours passed and the fireworks subsided, the lights dimmed, and the sky returned to its peaceful darkness. But the memories of the night, like the lingering smoke, remained, a reminder of the joy and togetherness that festivals bring.

In the end, the night sky, once vibrant with lights, returned to its solitary state, the stars once again the only witnesses to the city's nocturnal beauty.