City of lights

Mumbai and the rest of India will be bathed in a warm glow of lights, lanterns and candles until the end of the month.

It will soon be Diwali here in India. Also known as Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, it's local Christmas to a foreign soul. For most Indians, however, it's a time for Hindu celebration and worship as the lunar year draws to a close.

Walking through Sta. Cruz – a bit of Bandra with less of the trauma – I marvel at all the colors and lights, the street shouting "Happy Deepavali!" at every turn. The "Indian tiangge" is full of lantern-lined stalls carrying wares such as colorful dyes, clothes, candy and jewelry (bangles at just 20 rupees a dozen!).