PANJIM, NOV 4
Huge effigies of Narkasur were burnt across the State during wee hours to usher in the Diwali festivities. The festival of lights marks victory of Good over Evil and it’s also a time for the families to reunite over different kind of dishes made up of ‘fov.’
Panjim market was abuzz with the people queuing up to buy sweets and lanterns. Diwali, a Hindu festival, is celebrated across the State in every household.
After burning Narkasur effigies during wee hours, people took holy bath known as ‘abhyangsnan’ and later ate sweets. Each household had ‘diyas’ (lamps) lit soon after the burning of Narkasur effigies to drive away evil spirits and welcome happiness and prosperity.
Police kept strict vigil across the State and there was no untoward incident reported throughout the night.
After Margao bomb blast experience last year, the police machinery is on high alert throughout the State. Police officials said that suspicious looking people were frisked at several places and even plain cloth policemen were stationed near Narkasur competition venues.
State had relaxed ban on loud music by two hours and Narkasur revellers were allowed to play loud music till mid-night. The streets of Panjim were chock-a-block with massive traffic jams witnessed since evening.
The rains in the evening failed to dampen Diwali spirits of the people, who were seen visiting places to see Narkasur effigies. The business in Panjim market soared all time high with the people buying sweets, gifts and ornaments for Diwali.
Deepawali or Diwali is one of the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. Each Hindu house is decorated with flowers, lamps, and Rangoli, which are major elements of Diwali celebration.
Rangoli is a necessity as according to Hindu traditional beliefs, on this occasion Goddess Lakshmi visits every home and blesses the families with prosperity. It is believed that Rangoli invites positive powers and drives away evils.
Lakshmi Puja or the worship of Goddess of Wealth will be performed on Friday evening, being a major event of Diwali. It comes after Dhanteras (when new things are purchased to worship on Diwali day before putting it to use) and Chota Diwali or ‘Narkasur-slaying day, (which marks Good over Evil).
Hindu philosophy says it is highly important to keep the house clean and pure for Diwali, as Goddess Lakshmi enters the cleanest house first. This is another reason why ‘broom’ is also worshipped on the day.
