Diwali
or Narak Chaturdasi
Following the Dosro, comes Diwali which is the festival of lights. It
is a one-day festival in Goa. Bhaubija and the New year day are also celebrated
as part of Diwali festival. Narak Chaturdasi is called Diwali in Goa.
On this day, early morning, a paper made Narkasur (demon) filled with
grass, wastepaper, crackers etc is taken out and to the accompaniment
of taunts and insults, burnt and cremated. Later, in all the houses, bath
is taken. Women prepare various types of fov (dried beaten rice dusted
with sugar or jaggery and wetted lightly), raitas, usol and other snacks
and serve them. After the snacks are served, all men-folk are made obeisance
to by a gesture of showing a thali (plate) with lighted wicks around
their heads (onvalop) which is known as 'dive darkhovnk' in Konkani. The
men folk are expected to place some article or cash as a present in this
plate. Later after breaking a bitter gourd, crushed by the finger of the
left foot, it is applied to the tongue. Sweet snacks are taken, after
making obeisance to the God and the elders.
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