from daijiworld's special correspondent with pics by Rajtilak Naik in Panaji
Daijiworld News Network - Goa
Panaji, Oct 21: Effigies of Demon Narkasur were burnt during wee hours today to usher in Deepawali celebrations in Goa.
Unique to Goa, larger-than-life-size effigies of demon Narkasur who was killed by Lord Krishna, as per mythological story, were taken in procession throughout night and burnt during wee hours. This tradition symbolizes victory of good over evil.
Encashing on the spirit, various organizations had organized Narkasur vadh (killing narkasur) competition. "The competition is organized so that generation next knows about our mythological characters…. It's our tradition and we want to pass it on to future generation," stated Vinayak Naik, a local organizer.
Being a tourist state, narakasur competition also attracted tourists as the tourism season has already begun in this western state. Foreigner tourists were seen in large number to witness the event which went on throughout night.