Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:52am on 20 Oct 2025,Monday India
Goa began its Diwali celebrations with the burning of giant Narakasura effigies at dawn on Monday. The tradition, known as Narak Chaturdashi, marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon king Narakasura. Once a small village ritual, it has now become a grand event featuring DJs, drones, lights and massive hydraulics-powered effigies. Groups like the Zingaro Boys in Betim and Mala spend weeks crafting the 50-foot figures from bamboo, paper and clay. The celebrations draw huge crowds and competitions with cash prizes. Historians say the festival reflects Goa’s cultural revival after Portuguese rule ended in 1961. (PC: X)
