THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: Youngsters give finishing touches to a Narkasur effigy at Corjuem, Aldona, ahead of its traditional burning on the eve of Diwali.
MAPUSA
There is a festive buzz in the air as Mapusa gradually slips into the Diwali groove.
While youngsters are busy crafting Narkasur effigies of various sizes and designs at neighbourhoods and street corners, the town’s bustling market has begun sporting a colourful festive look, with vendors displaying an array of lanterns, earthen lamps and decorative items.
The excitement is hard to miss, with shoppers making a beeline for the market to pick up their Diwali essentials. The growing footfall signals that preparations for the festival of lights are gathering pace.
From traditional akash kandils to contemporary decorative lanterns, the market offers something to suit every taste and pocket. Available in different shapes, sizes and colour combinations, the lanterns are vying for shoppers’ attention. While traditional designs continue to remain popular, modern and creatively designed varieties are also attracting buyers.
Earthen lamps, or diyas, which hold a special place in Diwali celebrations, have also arrived in plenty, with vendors offering them in various sizes and attractive colours.
“The festive shopping has started picking up, and customers have begun visiting the market for lanterns and diyas. Traditional lanterns still have their charm, but the newer designs are equally popular, especially among youngsters. We are hoping for good business this Diwali,” said a vendor.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, shops are stocked with rangoli colours, decorative garlands, torans, electric lighting strings and other ornamental items used to brighten homes and entrances.
Preparations are not limited to decorations. With Diwali also synonymous with traditional homemade delicacies, households have begun stocking up on ingredients to prepare faral. Thick poha (flattened rice), an essential ingredient for making chivda, is selling at Rs 100 to Rs 120 per kg, according to vendors.
Meanwhile, the excitement extends beyond the marketplace. In several neighbourhoods, youngsters can be seen working on Narkasur effigies, an integral part of Goa’s Diwali celebrations. Groups of friends spend days constructing these demon-king figures, experimenting with different shapes, sizes and artistic designs ahead of the traditional Narkasur competitions and celebrations on the eve of Diwali.
At home, preparations are equally elaborate, with families undertaking cleaning, painting and decorating, while making arrangements for traditional prayers and the lighting of lamps.
For many, Diwali is also an occasion to prepare sweets and savouries, exchange festive greetings and spend time with family and friends.
“We have completed most of the works in the village and the remaining works will be completed within the next six months. In fact, what was not done in the last 25 years, we have completed in the last four-and-a-half years,” he said.
