Diwali in Leicester

A thousand fireworks shot into the sky! Peowww!!! Peowwwww!!! Peoooowww! A million stars twinkling and jazzing up the night canvas. Like diamonds strewn across some midnight blue satin. The night sky, a navy sari, encrusted with pretty, silver sequins and diamonds. This sari, adorned with stars, flowers and swirls of glamour.

A flash and a swish of magenta silk, bangles tinkling on that bonny girl’s caramel wrist. Bells jingling at her ankles. Hands decorated with henna, clutching onto a plate of Indian sweets. The sticky syrup and fat chunks of pistachio, coconut and carrot mithai squashed against the clear wrap, about to burst. She’d already mentally bagsied the diamond shaped one with the foil on it. 

A family of five stood, wrapped in shawls and scarves, clutching sparklers in their gloved hands. Mini fireworks twirling in the air. Giggles and hugs, as they trudged through the mushy leaves beneath toward the food stalls.

The bangs had long dissipated, and all that remained were the ghosts. Smoke trails flying through the air. The burnt smell lingering. Then mixed with the spicy smell of just- fried samosas, oil bubbling away like a mad scientist’s experiment. Orange spiral jalebi dripping in syrup, and platters of pakora lined up like soldiers standing to attention. 

Ladles of food dished out onto polystyrene trays. Home in a plate, and comfort in the cold. Steam rising steadily. Brown cubes of crispy, saucy paneer, garnished with chopped spring onions. Fries slathered with sweet chilli sauce. A young toddler clutched a stick of puffy candy -floss in her hand, her fingers and lips painted pink with greed. Dribbles of saliva as Mum tutted and wiped her face.   

The Old Couple watched the festivities from their little terraced house. From beyond the flowery netted curtains. Too feeble to go to the Firework Display. Maasi had worn her best sari, her silver hair, (what was left of it) slicked back in a little bun. The idols had been offered flowers and fruit, Maasi holding her palms together in greeting to the Gods. A colourful rangoli pattern of flowers greeted visitors, and the bejewelled diva lamps stood, flames flickering, waiting for Lakshmi to arrive.

Did you like my creative writing? If so, then leave me a comment below :) 

Credits. https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/when-is-diwali-2018-340713