Goa up beat with Diwali fervour

Panaji, Oct 20 (UNI) Hundreds effigies of 'Narakasura', made in different sizes greet tourists on either side of the pavements on the eve of Diwali- the festival of lights.

All the Narakasuras in their sitting posture symbolise the evil on the earth, present an on side of the road even as the high-decible music, not connected with any mytholigical themes of the festival, is played at its high pitch.

''The people, irrespective of caste, creed and religion join the festivities in Goa this evening by burning all the 'Narakasura' in effigies amid drum beats and cracking fire works. They distribute sweets after taking bath and light a row of lamps in front of the houses to celebrate the victory of the good over evil'marking the festival.

The festival symbolises killing of demon 'Narakasura' by Goddess Durga and thus bringing peace and tranquility to the devotees, according to mythology.

''But the noise and air pollution the celebration generates is equally untolerable as it leaves tonnes of ashes and the rubble even as Goa has been stinking with heaps of garbage at different sites with no official treatment plant in this international tourist destination,''bemoaned a tourist.

''Who is the real Narakasura? Those who make the monster and burn it all over without the concern for environment and people's health and safety? Who will take responsibility for this kind of rampage and destruction of peace and tranquility? questions another resident.

The burning of crackers and effigies may however kill the pathogens causing Chikungunya, dengue and other vector borne diseases.

Labourers, who remained awake throughout the night, were seen engaged in making the effigies to exhibit their skills as the government encouraging contests.

Meanwhile, markets are flooded with lampshades, plastic and colourful paper, besides feastoons with 'Happy Diwali' written on them and fire crackers.

Very colourful face masks of 'Narakasura' in different shapes, were sold as hot cakes in the Panaji market where traditional and modern revellers thronged the shops to make the purchases.

People also purchased silver, gold and jewellery with competition at many places in the state as it is considered auspicious.

The private IndusInd bank sold 41 kg of gold coins (999.99 per cent pure) yesterday, across the country and substantial turnover was witnessed in Goa, bank's Panaji branch manager Neena Pinto told UNI.

Vegetables, fruits and other essential commodities have become dearer with no one to monitor and check price rise. Most of the shoppers were making special exchange offer for cars, and an array of home appliances including furniture, some with discounts through ad binge, thus improving their business.

Meanwhile, fire services were put on alert with elaborate arrangements to meet any untoward situation.

UNI BM MJ AK HT1815