But then to some extent the city was divided over the choice. The old city areas boomed with crackers quite late into the night while the new Ludhiana which was decked up like a bride preferred to sit for dinner at about ten. Amidst these celebrations, there were many who stood on guard so that others could enjoy.

Neha, a nurse at a private hospital, celebrated Diwali while on work. “I miss being with my family but then now the entire hospital is my family. I may not have dressed up specially for the festival as I have to be in my uniform but then I burst crackers with my colleagues.”

It is business as usual for driver Basant Singh and cook Naresh. Naresh, who is busy making tandoori rotis for packing orders, says, “Work is work and we are on duty. It is nice to see other people enjoying the festival and our hearts too gladden with all this festivity around.” Naresh, who is a resident of Uttar Pradesh, is more focused as he adds, “I am here in Punjab to make money which I have to send back home. So Diwali or no diwali I am here just to work. Moreover working on Diwali day means more tips.”

And as regards crackers, Raju, a helper at a cracker stall on Pakhowal road informed, “It is almost midnight and we are still keeping our shop open hoping that people will come in to buy crackers. This year, people have spent very less money on crackers.” Sanpeep Goel, a cracker enthusiast, says, “ I used to buy crackers worth Rs 10,000 and even more at times but this year I have brought crackers worth only Rs 2000. People do not appreciate loud noises any more and so it is quieter Diwali for us this year.”