Diwali in Goa

Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated in India. It is like a new year for Hindus. They wear new clothes, share sweets and light lamps and firecrackers. Diwali represents triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. 

In Goa, Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi and is celebrated by building then burning effigies of Narkasur the demon. It marks Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narkasur, the good defeating the evil. All over Goa, people busy themselves by making paper mâché forms of the demon, filled with grass, paper and firecrackers. At dawn, these effigies are burnt and cremated. 

Witnessing Diwali in Goa was an adventure and a half. Everywhere I went I saw huge monstrous creatures towering over me, then as night approached I saw fireworks and heard loud firecrackers. Towards dawn, there was fire burning everywhere as the effigies got lit up. It was an organized chaos. It certainly marked the end of the demon and the dawning of the light. 

Photographing mainly a night event was a challenge but the excitement of the moment gave me the motivation to work hard and achieve my goal. I wanted to document this unusual tradition practiced only in Goa. I admire the dedication of the Goan people to their tradition in making these incredible effigies, putting so much care and creativity into them, only to burn them later. It reminded me of the process of sand mandalas made by Tibetan monks. India is a fascinating country. My camera never got to rest while I stayed there.