-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Add your name to the CLEAN GOA INITIATIVE | | | | by visiting this link and following the instructions therein | | | | http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/033926.html | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Having a respite from the Supreme Court relaxing the Noise restriction rules to two hours after 10 p.m. only on special ocassions not exceeding 15 in a year the "Narakasur" event of burning of the effigy of a demon competion got underway at 1700 hrs in the State.
Unlike last year where unprecedented showers played spoil sport this time by 2100 hrs. In Panaji and Margao this writer took a tour of the works underway in the evening,where a number of enthusiastic youth were seen making paper cane and metal fabricated narkasuras with some electronic gadgets in place to ensure hand and leg movement. others were practing the monotonous beat of a rattle that accompanies the dance of the demon effigy. In Margao the Solid Party organised the competition and also promoted a quiz competition amongst the audience on mythology but there were not much takers. Most of the effigies will later be burnt exactly at 12 p.m. and the next day will usher in the festival of lights. In Goa unlike during Ganesh Chaturti where the display of fireworks far excels that during Diwali this year with a demographic change in population seen with non Goans in almost every town and city the Narkasur celebrations have turned into a major activity, alongwith a cultural orchestra. North Indians were enthusiastic in most places, Dipawali lanterns adorned most of the shops and houses in Housing societies and lanes, Sweet meat stalls which now almost run parallel to number of bars under a heavy sweet meat selling lobby which even succeeded in getting tax reduction under VAT from the Goa Government reported thus far heavy business. Indian tourists are pouiring into the state with special trains and buses running packed beyond capacity. Goa the El Dorado of many Indians the sun sea and perhaps booze beckons many a traveller during this time of the year. Gujaratis account for the maximum family type tourists. This writer wishes each and every won HAPPY DIWALI and may the festival of lights bring cheer into our lives all year round >From the Margao Municpal Festivity venue GODFREY J I GONSALVES Borda Margao Goa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
