Diwali @Marine Drive (Why Diwali is best enjoyed in Bombay)
While the plan was Indigo and Walkeshwar to take in the entire sky line, it changed to Pizzeria (courtesy a spontaneous exit from the car, mid traffic, by a by-then-slighty-tipsy yours truly) and proper Marine Drive.
Can't remember what I enjoyed more, the Bombay Masala pizza (the best Pizza in the city) or getting outside with the million people (in the slighty smoggy night) to watch the entire 3 km stretch of Marine Lines lit up. It was what you'd call a *Quintessential Bombay Moment*.
I've often thought that maybe the authorities (Tourism or BMC) should organize a proper fireworks show, a la Chinese New Year in Hong Kong or 4th of July in the many cities of the US. We already get the million strong audience at places like Marine Drive and Worli Sea Face. But last night proved why the current format may be better suited.
Last night was almost like a ginourmous flash mob/street party. As always, people just turn up (in numbers that are only capable in Bombay), find a spot on the promenda to either park their car, or sit on the ledge, with their stash of fireworks, and simply start. The rich get to blow up the expensive crackers (yes the Sensex has gone up 100% since it's low point last year) and indulge in some harmless showing off, while everyone get a free show.
Amidst proper Police bandobast and BMC workers (trying to make a head start on the cleaning), spots are shared while people take turns lighting their fireworks, children are encouraged to participate (under the strict supervision of literally everyone around), foreign tourists are welcomed to join in, food and water is shared with complete strangers. Irrespective of whose fireworks they are and who's lighting them (need not be the same - I saw a couple of people who sat back while letting the children finish their stash), everyone becomes part of the celebrations through sheer proximity. The warm Diwali goodwill spreads like a contagious flu. And it goes on like this for hours until very early morning on the next day.
No, the Chinese model, despite being far more organized and with a completely coordinated fire works display, would be far too mechanical, far too dull for a Vibrant city like this. Yes. It's crowded, chaotic and polluted. Yet it's spontaneous, community driven and crazy fun. It was so Bombay.
Happy Diwali.
P.S. I know the pics aren't the best but I got so caught up, I completely forgot. These were almost an afterthought. There's actually a Lot more fireworks - my timing with pictures of fireworks sucks.
P.P.S. Yes I know it's actually called Mumbai. It'll always be Bombay to me though.
