The festival season in India sees the death of many demons -- Goddess Durga slays Mahishasura during Navaratri, and Lord Ram kills Ravan on Dussehra. During Diwali, it's Lord Krishna's turn. He vanquishes Narakasura, son of Lord Vishnu and Bhu Devi the earth goddess, who used his supernatural powers for evil purposes. His destruction is particularly popular along the west coast of India and the Deccan region, in the states of Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
In Goa, all villages and cities have competitions to see who can make the biggest and scariest Narakasura effigy. The main celebration takes place on Narakasura Chaturdashi, the day before the main day of Diwali, when the effigies are all burnt at dawn. No doubt, it's a favorite time of year for Goans.
Find out more about Diwali in India and see how its celebrated in this Diwali photo gallery.
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Photo: www.flickr.com user Vipal.