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These scenes of the Narkasur Nite 2006 event were captured on October 20, 2006, in Panjim, the capital city of Goa, India. This quaint tradition, where effigies of the demon-king Narkasur are erected and displayed on the streets the night preceding Deepavali, survives in Goa. In Hindu mythology, the cruel Narkasur, who represents the forces of darkness, was vanquished by Lord Krishna. After a night of merrymaking the effigies are set alight in the small hours of the morning, signifying Krishna's victory. Narkasur's departure ushers in Deepavali (aka Diwali), The Festival of Light.
Goans take their Narkasur-making craft seriously. The tableaux exhibited in the hinterland, home to the traditional artists and craftsmen, are particularly arresting. The images presented here are from the city of Panjim and its surrounds. I hope they convey the flavour of the night.
All the photographs were taken with the Canon EOS 5D and EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS lens.
© Rajan P. Parrikar. No image may be copied or reproduced without the consent of the photographer.
For photographs of Narkasur Nite 2007 click here.
Rajan P. Parrikar
