Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by billions of Hindus all across the World. But in Goa, Diwali has a vibrant twist. On the eve of Diwali, Goa sees the burning of Narkasur, a massive effigy of a demon that represents evil and darkness. This tradition is not only a spectacle of creativity and fireworks but also a symbol of the victory of good over evil and announcing of a new year in the lunar calendar.
Radiya Mahale from Mala, Panjim explains, “The word Narkasur is derived from the words Narak (hell) and Asura (a member of a class of divine beings in the Vedic period, which in Indian mythology tend to be evil).” Further, she mentions, “My brother would make a figure of Narkasura during his younger days where he would use wood to make the overall structural framework with jute sacks used to cover the whole figure whose volume was built up with dry hay.”
This process of Narkasura making was followed by minute detailing with paper moistened with adhesive, and ultimately painting of the whole effigy was patiently carried out. Accessories like jewelries were made using cardboard. Sometimes old clothes were used to adorn the figure of Narkasur, she mentions. Further Radiya says, “Figures of Narkasur were generally made ward wise and not in individual houses as such.”
To make these figures, young boys from around the ward come together, which actually helps them form skills of community building and at the same time, allows children to meet their friends, have fun and add energy to the whole spirit of celebrating the festival of lights on the following day. The day Narkasur is burnt is known as Narak Chaturthi while the following day is Diwali. Tradition has it that before Narkasura’s death, he requested Satyabhama (an incarnation of Bhudevi), that everyone should celebrate his death with colourful lights. Hence, this day is celebrated as Narka Chaturdashi- the beginning of the day of Diwali.
Narkasur celebration is not only a cultural tradition but also a spiritual lesson for the generations to come. It reminds one of the importance of fighting against injustice and oppression and upholding the values of truth and righteousness. It also teaches one to celebrate life with joy and gratitude and share happiness. Narkasur celebration is a festival that showcases the diversity and unity of India’s culture. It is a festival that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future.
Apurva Kankonnkar from Chimbel also has some interesting information to share. She says, “Narkasur was a mighty demon king who ruled over Earth. He was born from Bhudevi, the Goddess of the Earth, and Varaha, a boar form of Lord Vishnu. As Narkasur grew he prayed to Lord Brahma, mentioning Him that he couldn’t die with any of the deities but only in hands of his mother. Lord Brahma blessed him with this premium power. As Narkasur acquired this power, He was filled with pride and turned wicked with his power, thus starting to harm the Gods and the humans.”
She further adds,”Narkasur would kidnap women and girls, keep them in a prison and torture them. This made villagers extremely unhappy and scared. They, hence, requested Lord Krishna to help them overcome the evil deeds of Narkasur. Hence, there was a war fought between Lord Krishna and Narkasur, where Lord Krishna won using a Sudarshan chakra.”
Apurva says, “Lord Krishna decapitates the demon and slits his tongue in war and smears His head with the demon’s blood as a sign of victory over evil. From here was born the ritual of Abhyanga snan, where Krishna bathed with scented oil (Utane), thus washing away the demon’s blood.” Tradition has it that on winning the battle with Narkasur, Lord Krishna released all the captivated women who then lit a series of oil lamps in celebration. This beautiful tradition of lighting oil lamps for Diwali is practiced even today.
Rajat Rane from Návelim recalls himself making the effigy, as a kid. He states, “The glue was prepared using wheat flour and would dry off quickly, thus giving very little working time.” Further, with a smile on his face, he reminisces, “On the first day of making the figure, the number of participants would be huge, but on the very next day onwards, the number would drastically diminish. The boys being football freaks, would move on to play football, leaving the incomplete Narkasur alone as he watched them play football. He would be hurriedly completed at a later date”, he says.
A beautiful example of interreligious involvement in making the Narkasur can be seen in the case of Mufeed Shaikh, who would assist in making the figure in his locality. He says, “Firstly, we would always find it difficult in gathering funds and secondly, deciding on the structural design of the figure was always problematic, since each one of us from the team always had a different view on making the overall structure.”