Goans celebrate Deepavali by burning effigies of demon Narakasur; Chief Minister Sawant appeals for pollution-free festival
The Hindu
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant greeted people on the occasion of Diwali and expressed hope that the festival will bring peace, joy and prosperity to the state.
Residents of Goa celebrated Diwali by burning huge effigies of demon Narakasur in the early hours of Monday as a long held tradition on the festival, marking the victory of good over evil.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant greeted people on the occasion of Diwali and expressed hope that the festival will bring peace, joy and prosperity to the state.
He also appealed to citizens to have a pollution-free celebration and reach out to the underprivileged people and share the happiness of Diwali with them.
The 'Narakasur Vadh' (killing of the demon) competitions began in state capital Panaji and cities like Margao and Vasco at night and continued till early Monday morning.
More than 20 groups participated in each competition. Hundreds of Narakasur effigies, which were prepared ahead of the festival, were burnt to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Giant effigies were ferried from various villages to the competition venues on trucks. A chariot carrying a boy dressed as Lord Krishna accompanied every effigy.