THE GOAN
PANAJI
As Diwali approaches, courtyards and open spaces across Goa turn into busy work sites. Paper is cut, iron is welded and frames take shape. For Narkasur makers, the spectacle on Diwali night is only the final stage of work that begins weeks or months earlier, bringing together time, money and community effort. The festival recalls the defeat of Narakasura, a demon who, according to the Bhagavata Purana, held many women captive and was killed by Krishna, accompanied by Satyabhama. Narak Chaturdashi is remembered as the triumph of good over evil.
A changing tradition
In Goa, public effigy-making and competitions are more recent. Folklore researcher Pandurang Phaldesai traces the practice to the post-Liberation period, with competitions beginning later. Earlier village effigies were simpler wicker baskets with paper faces, sometimes moved by a person standing inside. That hands-on spirit continues at the Narkasur competition in Comba, Margao, near Vitthal Mandir, which features the traditional “nachovpacho” Narkasur. Unlike towering figures moved by hydraulics, this form is physically handled and danced with by a person. The contrast reflects how the craft has evolved, from simple structures carried by people to larger creations relying on engineering.
Time and expenses
Time and scale vary between groups. At Bhavani Haushi Mandal, Sidhant Kanekar says work begins two months before Diwali. The group uses fibre, steel, cloth, thermocol and hydraulics. With no sponsorship, three brothers bear most expenses, with some help from core members. “We manage the expenses ourselves, with a little support from our members,” he says.
King of Ecoxim takes about one-and-a-half months. Members contribute and seek help from well-wishers, using paper, iron, cardboard and glitter. “We put in what we can and take support from those who want to help,” the group says. At Bindiraj Paagi, Farmagudi, welding begins five days before Navratri; tying and completing the effigy takes about three-and-a-half hours. The group does not collect money, with supporters instead sponsoring meals for those working. Materials include dried grass, thermocol, foam, paint, glitter, metal and bearings. “We do not take money; people who support us help by providing meals,” the group explains.
Working together
At Prince of Patto, Shubham Chopdekar and his brothers Saiesh and Pavan work around college commitments and the chosen theme. This year, the process spanned 35 days, or about 12 actual working days. They begin with their own money and later accept voluntary donations. Materials include steel, paper, thermocol and foam sheets. “We first put in our own money, and later people contribute whatever they wish to,” says Shubham.
Gajanan Yuvak Mandal, Aquem, Margao, spends two to three months preparing its effigy. Executive member Utkesh Naik says funds come from membership contributions and well-wishers. The group uses fibre, bamboo, paper, used sarees, foam, rice straw and hydraulics. “For us, it is not about glorifying evil; it is about showing the victory of good over evil,” he says. Vedant Ratnakar Naik Shirodkar adds that competition entries may be planned almost a year ahead, though construction takes one-and-a-half to two months. Prize money from three competitions may cover only 30 to 40 per cent of expenses; the rest comes from contributions and sponsorships. Utkesh also says a video of the mandal’s Narkasur has received around 62 million views, bringing attention to the celebration from viewers in India and abroad. At Bal Gopal Kala Saunkrutik Mandal, Chinchwada, Chimbel, the effigy takes 20 to 30 days and is made with paper, cloth, maida paste and iron rods. Members and well-wishers support the expenses. “The members and people from the village come forward to help us,” the mandal says. This community involvement is also visible in smaller village Narkasurs, often made by children over two to three weeks using bamboo, old clothes and paper. They go door to door seeking contributions, with residents pitching in.
Village contributions
The King of Bambolim takes a month to prepare its effigy. Members collect donations in the ward and contribute themselves, using paper, cardboard and coconut waste. “We collect donations in our ward, and those of us working on it also contribute,” says member Shrunkhal Morajkar. Laxmi Yuvak Sangh, Simipaine, Mangeshi, Mardol, also takes a month. Its members and village well-wishers contribute towards an effigy made with fibre, thermocol, clothes, dry grass, iron and jute bags. “We receive contributions from our members and well-wishers from the village,” a representative says. In Mayem, a youth club member says dry grass and paper remain in use, though plastic is sometimes added to protect effigies during rainy Diwalis. “The Narkasur reminds us that evil will eventually perish,” the member says.
Materials and methods may have changed, with some effigies now powered by elaborate mechanisms, but the work still depends on people coming together. From children collecting donations in their villages to groups planning competitions months ahead, making a Narkasur remains as much about shared effort as the final display. When the effigies are set alight, the community’s work and belief burn with them.
