It’s Diwali! Boom, crash. Like Christmas, I’m told, only the crackers come with fire and there’s much more noise. Pop, plink. It’s taken two days to get used to the sudden blasts throughout the streets, but now it’s the main event and new and old Delhi is pounding. Slap, smack.

Looking outside to see the streams of colour burst over the city creates childlike fun. Everyone I meet is cheerful and Happy Diwali messages have come throughout the day. Bang, bang. The shops are full of specials and the mood is light and free. Thud, thud.

It’s nice to watch the sparkle in people’s eyes as they talk about what they’re going to be doing for the festival of lights. Bubble, crash. An all-night party here, time at home there. Thump, splat. I’d like to say for certain the fireworks went on all night, as promised, but I don’t know. Rat-a-tat-tat. The background noise helped send me to sleep.