Celebrating Diwali in Goa - Narkasur in Mapusa

Diwali, also knows as Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights and celebrated around the time of October/November throughout India. The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness and cities and in particular temples around the country light up for this multiday festival.

Last year in 2017 I had the fantastic pleasure to celebrate in Goa, below would be the impressions from the parade of "Narkasurs" in the town of Mapusa. It is a competition between the citizens in Mapusa who can build the grandest and most elaborate monster, many of them are also burnt at the end of the celebration.


Why? Narkasur was once the king, however not a very good one, he was defeated by Lord Krishna, and the celebrations are re-enacting the legend.

Apart from the rather fun parade of the Narkasurs in Goa during Diwali this is also a great time to visit the rather fairy-tale looking Hindu temples of the area during the evening of Diwali, the lights and decorations create a peaceful contrast to Indian village life.

In case you are travelling into Goa from Mumbai and have some time to spare in that great city also see how to spend an ideal day in Mumbai.

Shopping for Diwali decorations in Mapusa, Goa, India



Temple in Mapusa, Goa, India

Stairs leading up to a temple decorated for Diwali in Goa, India

A temple decorated for Diwali in Goa, India

Narkasur in the parade in Mapusa, Goa, India

Narkasur in the parade in Mapusa, Goa, India

Narkasur in the parade in Mapusa, Goa, India

Narkasur in the parade in Mapusa, Goa, India

Narkasur in the parade in Mapusa, Goa, India

Home made Narkasur outside a home in Mapusa, Goa, India



Home made Narkasur outside a home in Mapusa, Goa, India



A narkasur made in paper in a village in Goa, India during Diwali. The monsters are later burned to symbolise Lord Krishna's defeat over them.

Mumbai in 12 hours

India is a whole subcontinent, and its largest city, Mumbai, is a world of its own. Many travellers just transit through this megapolis on their way to other destinations but for those who stay here for a day or more there are loads of things to discover.
I think it is safe to say that one quite fast gets an opinion about this rather intimidating city, you either hate it or love unconditionally. I for sure belong to the later.
Some months back I had a chance to spend a couple of days here and with a friend visiting India for his first time I wanted to take a day to show some of the most sea places of Mumbai, thus below would be my suggestion for a full day independent tour of some of the main sights.

Starting off the day with a late breakfast/brunch of Dosa nearby the airport in Mumbai



From the airport one can catch a cheap ride with a motor rickshaw towards the train station in Andheri where it is possible to catch a commuter train for a very reasonable price carrying one into the very centre of the old parts of the city. This might not be a good option during rush hour as it could get really crowded, but otherwise I think it is the ideal way to start the Mumbai experience.




Arriving at CST Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is not only an important part of Mumbai’s infrastructure, it is also a Victorian colonial style building that is a sight in itself.




Street view outside CST, Mumbai



From the train station it is a reasonable walk down to Gateway of India, apart from being one of the most famous landmarks of the city it is also where one catches the boats to Elephanta Island.



Arriving to the pier at Elephanta Island, there is also the option of taking the train for those who prefer not to walk.

Caves at Elephanta Island



School children on an excursion in Mumbai stopping at the Bentley showroom, study hard and they could also live the “Indian dream"








Jimmy boy, one of a few famous Parsi restaurants in downtown Mumbai



Manu at Jimmy Boy, Mumbai - India










Parsi style biryani at Jimmy Boy, Mumbai



After dinner, one may burn those kcals by taking a walk along the Marine Drive (3+ km long boulevard), a popular hangout during evenings.



Towards the end of Marine Drive is Chowpatty beach, where after the walk one may add some additional energy by eating their famous bhel puris.