“What kind of culture our children are following by creating effigies of Narkasur? They should worship Lord Krishna because He assassinated the demon. I urge all parents to inculcate the traditional way of celebrating Diwali,” the MGP leader said.  

His urge two days before Diwali is infact echo of his and his party’s constant demand to ban Narkasur effigy contests held across the State. Interestingly, Tourism Department, portfolio of which is held by another MGP leader  is promoting the competition in a bid to attract tourists to the coastal State.  

Dhavalikar brought to the fore fatal accidents during the Narak Chaturdasi day, in view of which he demanded ban on Narkasur competitions.  “Look at the statistics on the number of accidents on Diwali eve in the last few years. On am average 25 serious accidents take place in which some even lose their lives. You can imagine how many minor accidents wold be occurring then,” he said reiterating his demand to ban the competitions. He also asked political parties to stop funding children for Narkasur-making as it was proving a bane. “These children spend late nights making Narkasur effigies. You see they consume beer. They are spoiling their present and future. We as parents should trachea hem good habits. Once they dump this practice of making the demon effigies,  things will fall in place,” the minister, who ranks among the first 5 in the State cabinet said. Asked if he would place a proposal before the government, he said it was for parents to take he step.

He rued that the actual essence of celebrating Diwali has been lost as many families don’t even know the five types of ‘poha’ (one of Diwali festival dishes) made during the festival. 

About seven years ago, Goa had witnessed a bomb blast on the eve of Diwali on October 16 in which two members of Sanathan Saunstha lost their lives. It is said the blast was planned by this right wing as it opposes Narkasur culture.