PANAJI
Fireworks and smoke rant the air across the State with the burning of effigies of the demon king Narkasur past midnight, as Goans ushered in Diwali with traditional pomp and fervour.
Laxmi pujan, an occasion where obeisance is paid to the goddess of wealth, will be celebrated on October 30 all over the country.
Giant-sized colourful and theme-based effigies of the mythological demon king were seen across the state, even as contests with lucrative cash prizes added to the entertainment value.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, the festival of lights, is a pan India festival. The essence of Diwali is the celebration of the victory of good over evil, when Lord Rama (An incarnation of Lord Vishnu) returned to Ayodhya after having killed the evil Demon King of Lanka, Ravana. Diwali brings along with it the promise of better times to come which would resound with health and prosperity all around.
Households wore a festive look with diyas illuminated with oil and attractive akash kandils taking their place of pride atop houses and establishments. To add colour to the festival, rangoli and series of colourful lights also took centrestage.
Business establishments have been doing brisk business and have cashed in on the festive mood. Locals were seen crowding shops and establishments till late Friday evening, doing last-minute shopping.
On the festive occasion, people prepare various dishes made of flattened rice -- locally known as dudhantle fov, kadyetle fov, takantle fov, rosantle fov, batat fov, kalaille fov and shikarne, among others. Additionally, aamadyachi karam, chanyachi usal and kelyacho halwo also form a part of sweets prepared especially for Diwali.
However, the celebrations were dampened in some places with the MG Party postponing all the programmes scheduled on Saturday due to death of former chief minister Shashikalatai Kakodkar.
The regional party had decided to organise Diwali programmes in 19 constituencies along with a programme at Bhausaheb Bandodkar ground at Bandora.
Since the last couple of days, MG Party supporters and leaders have been demanding a ban on Narkasur competitions, and to replace it with worshipping Lord Krishna.
MG Party had also decided to organise a programme at Bandora to worship Lord Krishna, lighting 2,000 lamps and a musical programme of noted singer Prachala Amonkar.
***
HAPPY DIWALI
The Goan wishes its readers, advertisers and well-wishers a Happy Diwali
