The demon king who brings Goan youth together every Diwali

As Diwali approaches, Goan youth get together to celebrate a distinct tradition, that of making Narakasura effigies.
THE DEMON KING: Narakasura effigies are made and then set ablaze every year during Diwali in Goa.
THE DEMON KING: Narakasura effigies are made and then set ablaze every year during Diwali in Goa.Photo: Rohan Fernandes
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Diwali festivities have already begun, and everyone is enjoying every moment of this grand celebration, a celebration of good over evil, light over darkness, and positivity over negativity.

We have all grown up listening to the tales of Narakasura, the demon King, who created chaos on earth as well as in heaven. Troubled by his misbehaviour and vile deeds, Lord Vishnu reincarnated as Lord Krishna, killed the demon with his sudarshana chakra (divine discus) and restored peace.

THE DEMON KING: Narakasura effigies are made and then set ablaze every year during Diwali in Goa.
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Today, the same demon who had disrupted the peace and harmony, once upon a time, brings the youth of Goa together. Believe it or not, the preparations for this festival of lights begin months in advance.

You may wonder what exactly do these preparations entail which require months of hard work, labour and tons of effort.

“Soon after Ganesh Chaturthi, we start preparing for the next festival,” says a member of Mala Million, a group of Narakasura makers in Panjim.

Today, the same demon who had disrupted the peace and harmony, once upon a time, brings the youth of Goa together. Believe it or not, the preparations for this festival of lights begin months in advance.

In Goa, there's a unique tradition of making larger-than-life Narakasura effigies during Diwali. For decades, local groups have been practising this tradition in Goa. Young and old put in their blood, sweat and tears in planning and crafting these humongous structures. 

“This is a yearly tradition for us. For the last 50 years, we have been creating Narakasura effigies. In Panjim, only three Narakasura effigies are made from wood. You won’t see these anywhere else,” says a member of the Vatareshwar Club de St. Inez, one of the oldest Narakasura-making groups in Panjim.

UNITED IN CELEBRATION: The Narakasura tradition brings together both young and old in the spirit of celebration.
UNITED IN CELEBRATION: The Narakasura tradition brings together both young and old in the spirit of celebration.Photo: Rohan Fernandes

Every member of the group takes time out of their packed daily schedules to contribute to this endearing tradition. As soon as they finish work or school, they rush to the place where all the creative magic happens.

Hence, it can be said that Narakasura-making connects and builds community spirit in Goa.

“We started in 2021, so it's been almost three years. Last year, we made Raja (King), and it went viral. This time, once again, we are creating something new, simple and creative,” says a member of the group, Prince of Bhatlem, while discussing this year’s special theme for the event.

THE DEMON KING: Narakasura effigies are made and then set ablaze every year during Diwali in Goa.
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It’s a tedious process that involves assembling the frame, covering it with hay and paper, using glue made from flour, painting the figure, especially the face, with minute details, adding accessories, and applying the final touches. Metal is also used to create these tall figures.

“If we add the body, legs and the face, the Narkasura will reach up to around 43 feet,” says the member of Mala Million.

This custom is certainly unique and special to Goa, a tradition that has been passed down through generations. 

KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE: For decades, Goans have preserved this tradition, which has passed down through the generations.
KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE: For decades, Goans have preserved this tradition, which has passed down through the generations. Photo: Rohan Fernandes

“We have been witnessing this tradition since our childhood. I am 28-years- old, and for the last 20 years or so, I have been a part of this practice,” says the member of Vatareshwar Club de St. Inez, emphasising the significance of this tradition to the Goan community.

“Before that, our elders used to make Narakasura here, and they would tell us stories about how they would make it during their days,” he adds.

After months of hard work, once the effigies are complete, they are put on public display a day before Diwali. Often, these structures are paraded through the streets of Goa accompanied with vibrant music.

After months of hard work, once the effigies are complete, they are put on public display a day before Diwali. Often, these structures are paraded through the streets of Goa accompanied with vibrant music.

Some even recreate the scene of Narakasura vadh (Narakasura's death) with one of the youngsters dressed up as Lord Krishna.

THE DEMON KING: Narakasura effigies are made and then set ablaze every year during Diwali in Goa.
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Many organisations across Goa hold competitions and events to appreciate and celebrate the hard work of all those involved in the making of Narakasura. This provides them with a platform to showcase their artwork.

Finally, these effigies are lit and burnt to symbolise Lord Krishna's triumph over the demon and the beginning of a new day, celebrated as Diwali. For years, this tradition has brought joy, togetherness and excitement to Goans and it continues to be one of the most cherished customs in Goa.

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