07–08 NOV 2026
Narkasur Night
Photo: Borkareklavya, CC0 1.0
Goa's Diwali eve: giant Narakasura effigies, street music and dawn burning across Panjim and other towns on 7 to 8 November.
Narkasur Night is Goa's Diwali opener. On the eve of Naraka Chaturdashi, neighbourhood youth groups build giant Narakasura (Narkasur) effigies from bamboo, steel, paper and cloth, parade them through the streets with music and lights, then burn them before sunrise as a mark of Krishna's victory over the demon.
In 2026 the night runs from Saturday 7 November into the early hours of Sunday 8 November. Displays usually start around 8 pm. Burning is traditionally before dawn on 8 November. Diwali and Lakshmi Puja fall on Sunday 8 November.
This is a statewide street celebration, not one ticketed venue. In Panjim, look along the Taleigao, Bhatlem and Mala belt, around Mahalaxmi Temple and Church Square, and at Patto Plaza. Other strong areas include Mapusa and Bardez village squares, Margao (including the municipal garden and KTC stand area), Vasco and Ponda. Exact competition boards go up late; check local flex boards and organisers on the night.
Entry is free. Expect dense crowds and traffic restrictions. Park outside the centre and walk in. Keep one sober driver if you move between towns. On Diwali morning many Goan households keep Abhyang Snan, crush bitter karit, and eat fov for breakfast.
Narkasur Night is Goa's Diwali opener. On the eve of Naraka Chaturdashi, neighbourhood youth groups build giant Narakasura (Narkasur) effigies from bamboo, steel, paper and cloth, parade them through the streets with music and lights, then burn them before sunrise as a mark of Krishna's victory over the demon.
In 2026 the night runs from Saturday 7 November into the early hours of Sunday 8 November. Displays usually start around 8 pm. Burning is traditionally before dawn on 8 November. Diwali and Lakshmi Puja fall on Sunday 8 November.
This is a statewide street celebration, not one ticketed venue. In Panjim, look along the Taleigao, Bhatlem and Mala belt, around Mahalaxmi Temple and Church Square, and at Patto Plaza. Other strong areas include Mapusa and Bardez village squares, Margao (including the municipal garden and KTC stand area), Vasco and Ponda. Exact competition boards go up late; check local flex boards and organisers on the night.
Entry is free. Expect dense crowds and traffic restrictions. Park outside the centre and walk in. Keep one sober driver if you move between towns. On Diwali morning many Goan households keep Abhyang Snan, crush bitter karit, and eat fov for breakfast.
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