Exposure Event for Deaf Children and Adults, Mansar

Diwali, a well-known Hindu festival, holds great significance in the Hindu culture. It is a festival of lights that lasts for five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika, which falls between mid-October and mid-November. Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This festival is closely associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Prior to Diwali, people engage in cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes and workplaces with diyas (oil lamps) and rangolis (colorful art circle patterns). During Diwali, individuals dress in their finest attire, illuminate their homes with diyas and rangoli, worship Lakshmi, light fireworks, and enjoy family feasts where mithai (sweets) and gifts are exchanged. In the state of Goa, Diwali celebrations witness a unique event where demon effigies called Narkasurs are paraded on the streets before being burned to ashes. These effigies are filled with fireworks, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Additionally, beautiful earthen lamps are lit in the verandas of houses throughout Goa. Numerous zatras (religious processions) take place during this time, with grand celebrations held at temples such as Mangueshi, Nagueshi, Ramnathi, Shantadurga, and Shirgao, among others.