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Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi (Goa)

Hindu Festival
by
Sunil Mahajan and Prof. Ravi Poovaiah
IDC, IIT Bombay

Naraka Chaturdashi also known as Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi is the Hindu unique folk festival celebrated in all over India, which falls on the second day of Diwali. According to the Hindu mythology, the demon Narakasura was killed on this day by Lord Krishna. There are many legends related to the festival of Diwali in India. However, in Goa, the legend  Narkasura is the reason for the Diwali celebrations. Lamps with four wicks are lighted at various places.  Diwali in Goa is marked by Naraka Chaturdashi, in which the effigy of Narkasura is then taken in a procession and hence begin the festival of Diwali by burning it at dawn amidst a lot of firework display.

In Hindu mythology, Narakasura or Naraka, the third avatar of Lord Vishnu is the demon son of goddess Bhudevi and Varaha. Lord Vishnu granted the boon desired by Mother Earth for her son should have a long life, and that he should be all powerful. Narakasura became evil, got addicted to power and usurped some of heavenly mother goddess’s territory by kidnapping 16,000 women. After unsuccessful attempts of killing Narakasura by many gods, Lord Krishna beheaded him with his weapon. Before break down, the Narakasura requested a boon that his death anniversary should be celebrated by all people on earth. This day is celebrated as 'Naraka Chaturdashi' - the day before Diwali.

To celebrate the Naraka Chaturdashi, Goan people make huge effigies made up of grass and waste paper and filled it with crackers. A lot of money is spent on making these effigies as some institutions conduct Narakasura competitions and announces cash prizes for the best one.

Links for reference:

http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=88993

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di5_isicXFI

http://wovensouls.org/2014/10/20/the-narakasura-festival-goa/

http://webneel.com/daily/2-diwali-narakasura-demon-goa-festival

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narakasura

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151297246721335.524103.120624356334&type=3

http://blog.parrikar.com/2009/10/14/narkasur-the-prince-of-darkness/

http://www.thealternative.in/lifestyle/naraka-chaturdashi-goas-diwali/
 

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