Panaji: Giant effigies of mythological demon
Narakasur are visible on every street of Goa and will be set
afire tonight as a prelude to Diwali festival.
According to Hindu mythology, Narakasur demon was killed
by Lord Krishna.
Several towns are even hosting Narakasur effigy
competitions, in which, those who create the ugliest of
Narakasur demon, walks away with a prize.
"Larger the better, you can say crueler the better or
uglier the better," said Eknath Naik, a member of a group in
Ponda.
The run-up to Diwali festivities is marked with youths
coming together to prepare Narakasur effigy at the roadside of
their locality. The effigies are taken out in a parade later
in the day.
However, these competitions have come under the scanner
of Goa Police, after activists affiliated to Sanatan Sanstha,
had allegedly tried to trigger serial bomb blasts on that day
two years ago.
Superintendent of Police (North) Arvind Gawas said that
advisories have been issued to competition organisers and
special vigil would be maintained at the location where there
is possibility of trouble.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 14:04