We first started hearing the fireworks a week ago, and I don't mean the little firecrackers and sparklers we see in the states. These were M-80's and major pyrotechnics that you see at organized fireworks shows that anyone could buy at the many fireworks stands that had sprung up on the streets. People were gearing up for Diwali. By the 4th day of the holiday the firecrackers were nonstop all day starting at 5:30 AM. When night fell on the city, it literally exploded with people setting off major fireworks from every street and rooftop in this city of millions. The next day and night were a repeat, but incredibly even more intense. We began to get a sense of what it must be like to be in a city under siege. 
Of the many Indian holidays Diwali is probably the most celebrated in South India. People take the day off and visit family, exchange presents and light clay candles around the house. Diwali marks the start of the Indian lunar calender new year and it also celebrates the return of the legendary prince Rama to Ayodhya. His story is one of many that is interwoven into the Hindu religion. Char and I are currently reading a recently rewritten version of the Ramayana (Rama's story) by Ashok Banker, which is a great read, very much like reading a Tolkien story, complete with monsters, gurus and witches. Be warned though, the whole story occupies 6 volumes.
After the 5th day when the fireworks had finally died down to a trickle we heard of Cyclone Jal which was heading straight for Chennai. Fortunately by the time it hit it had lost most of it's strength so not much happened here other than a few broken branches and some fairly heavy rains. But this morning is beautiful, even cool (75F), cool for here that is! The other good thing to come of the storm is they cancelled school, anticipating the worse, so Char gets the day off!
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