In a world consumed with modern day concepts of productivity, it is but natural to look for ways to make the most efficient use of every bit of our days, and perhaps our nights. It may seem that our lives are centred largely on our days, as there is little talk of the nights – when the sun goes down and an altogether different existence seems to overwhelm our surroundings.

This week, we take a step back from the clutter of the day and focus on the experience of our nights. In our Special Report, we bring together a collection of short essays that offer an insight into the night and the many untold stories. From personal accounts of venturing out late into the night to detailing the chronicles a night bird, we take a look at stories that bring forth the colour that night offers. And in our attempt to portray the diversity that surrounds us, we reproduce nighttime scenes at a darbar in Lahore in one of our essays.

A link is often forged between nighttime and creativity. While evidence in support of the contention is embedded in history manifesting itself in countless works of art produced over the years, there are those who argue and believe otherwise. In two of our essays this week, we take this dialogue forward.

Through these essays we hope to discover the night in all its dark glory.