Goa witnesses a unique event called “Narkasur Chaturdashi” on the eve of Diwali when the Narkasur (demon effigies) are paraded on the streets before being burned and reduced to ash.
The processions will begin on the upcoming Friday night and will usher the festival of Diwali in the State, burning Narkasur effigies in the early hours of Saturday.
This marks the commencement of the festival of light and resembles the end of evil.
The effigies are designed days before the procession, and many competitions are organized and prizes awarded before they are reduced to ash. The festival is therefore also known as “Narkasur Chaturdashi.”
The Narkasur parades take place all over the State with people, particularly the youth and children, from different villages participating with great enthusiasm.
The mythology behind the event is that Goa and parts of the Gomantak region of Konkan were once ruled by the demon king, Narkasur, who was beheaded by Lord Krishna for his acts of cruelty.
The people of Goa celebrate this victory of Krishna with with the symbolic burning of Narkasur effigies.
To add to the fun, various organizations conduct competitions for the best and original renditions of the effigies. In many places youths play role of Krishna and burn the Narkasur effigies.
The celebrations have also become a major tourist draw.
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