A couple of decades ago, when this writer was living and working in Goa, a group of acquaintances from out of town remarked that the capital city, Panaji, was dull as ditchwater after 8 pm.

People in McLeodganj yearn for freedom. Pic/AFP

“Where’s the nightlife?” they groused, and one thought they were referring to a seedy, shady activity. Because the concept of a nightlife where one goes out, enjoys oneself at innocuous pastimes, and comes back home safe and sound, simply did not exist in what, for all practical purposes, was a small town.