Night of the demon.
Introduction from an earlier post –
The festival marks the return of Lord Rama, His wife Sita, and brother Lakshman from their 14 years in exile. The period is also closely linked to Goddess Lakshmi, the repository of Wealth (in the broadest sense).
The defining event, however, is the beheading of Narakasura by Krishna.
In Narakasura were embodied the vices of darkness (tamas), ignorance (avidya), ego (ahamkara), and base proclivities (adharma). He had his comeuppance at the hands of Krishna who, after a fierce battle, summoned his sudarshan-chakra (discus) to behead Narakasura.
The Diwali celebrations are a renewal of the memory of Krishna‘s triumphal moment and the restoration of Light (i.e. Dharma).
In Goa is prevalent the quaint practice – unique in India – of the reenactment of the Narakasura episode. On the eve of Diwali, huge effigies of the demon are mounted in villages and towns. After a night of boisterous revelry, they are consigned to flames at dawn.
These photos were taken last month on October 21, 2014, the eve of Diwali. I have also put together a short video below that captures some of the sights and sounds of the revelry.
All my posts on this theme are consolidated here.
Music credit: Raga Shankara by Bismillah Khan.
Congratulations on compiling the best collection of Narkasura photographs !! – ever.
Another invaluable documentation of a Goan heritage.
How long does it take to build a Narkasura?
Great shots!
I would say, 5 days or so. The facemask is usually sourced from local artists for whom this is a good opportunity to bring in some extra income.