PANJIM: Diwali ushers in great joy among Goans. The festival of lights is being celebrated on Thursday 31st October. Diwali symbolises the victory of good over evil. On this day Lord Krishna slayed the demon king, Narakasur into half with Sudharshan chakra. The Diwali festival lasts for five days, including the festivals of Dhanteras, burning of Narakasur effigies, Govardhan Pooja, and Bhai Dooj. Huge effigies of Narakasur were made by youth across the state and later burnt.
Diwali is celebrated to mark Lord Krishna's victory over the demon king Narakasura. The tradition is followed and people offer prayers on the Naraka Chaturdashi to celebrate this victory of good over evil, that we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Hindus light fireworks, which are regarded as the effigies of Narakasura who was killed on this day.
There were huge traffic jams in the major towns across Goa as shoppers were on a last minute shopping spree. There was an ambience of joy and celebration in the air.
Huge Narkasur effigies were prepared across the city. Youth explained that it takes 15-20 days for them to make the effigies with about 15 to 20 youth working on them and the cost goes upto Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh. This year, there were rains on Tuesday and Wednesday which spoilt the effigies and youth had to work on the paint all over again.