Mythological gems of Diwali in Goa

One of country’s biggest festivals — Diwali — is here! The colourful markets are buzzing with activity, while people are busy making Diwali faraal and akash kandil/divo in homes.

These aspects are related to celebrations, but, do you know why we celebrate this festival of lights on the darkest new moon night of the year?

For Goans, this answer is easy as this day symbolises the killing of the demon, Narkasur, by Lord Krishna. That’s the reason we see large effigies being made on the eve of Diwali, followed by a mock battle featuring a child portraying Krishna, culminating in the burning of an effigy during the early hours of Diwali.

BEHIND THE CELEBRATIONS

Vidya Kamat, member-secretary of the Centre for Study of Mythology and Culture (CSMC), mentions that this practice is also related to Goa’s political history.

She says, “According to noted Goan folklorist, Vinayak Khedekar, the custom of vadha (killing of Narkasur) gained popularity in the early 19th century when the freedom movement against Portuguese rule started gaining momentum."

"Under the guise of religious celebrations, local leaders used the event to symbolise the overthrowing of the ‘evil’ Portuguese power. Eventually, after the liberation of Goa, Narakasura became central to Goa’s Deepavali identity and was turned into a tourist attraction with State support,” she shares.

Vinayak Khedekar, Goan folkloristThe custom of 'Narakasura vadha' (killing of Narkasur) gained popularity in the early 19th century when the freedom movement against Portuguese rule started gaining momentum.

Actually, there are a variety of reasons for celebrating the festival in various parts of the country. The most common reason, especially in North India, is the homecoming of Lord Ram along with Sita and Laxman, at Ayodhya, after killing King Ravan and completing a 14-year period of exile.

It is said that the entire town was decorated with diyas to welcome them. And, that’s how the celebrations begun.

Kamat maintains that these reasons vary depending on the region and community, “Every state has its own local legends that add regional significance to the festival. For example, in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, with their military histories, Bhai Dooj (or Bhaubeej which will be held on November 3) is an important day, where brothers visit their sister’s home.”

“For some communities, Vasubaras (held on October 28), is an important day. In Gujarat, where there is a strong trading community, Lakshmi Pooja (held on the day of Diwali or the next day) is significant, as it marks the day for opening new account books,” she says.

Another important aspect of Diwali in Goa is a platter of dishes made from fov or beaten rice. Legend says that after killing the Narkasur, Lord Krishna had a ritualistic bath and then, relished dishes made from .

Kamat adds, “Probably the tradition of eating fov got incorporated in festive traditions as it was a favourite dish of . Or, was it an ecologically conscious choice by locals as it was abundant in Goa?” This could probably be because this is the harvest time in Goa.

MANY STORIES, ONE FESTIVAL: Every state of India has its own local legends that add regional significance to the festival of Diwali.

Kamat further states, “Diwali, Deepavali or Deepotsava has two dimensions – a social celebration where communities come together to exchange good wishes and a religious observance, where the Hindu starts a new cycle of religious life.”