Naraka Chaturdashi also known as Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi is the Hindu unique folk festival celebrated in all over India, which falls on the second day of Diwali. According to the Hindu mythology, the demon Narakasura was killed on this day by Lord Krishna. There are many legends related to the festival of Diwali in India. However, in Goa, the legend Narkasura is the reason for the Diwali celebrations. Lamps with four wicks are lighted at various places. Diwali in Goa is marked by Naraka Chaturdashi, in which the effigy of Narkasura is then taken in a procession and hence begin the festival of Diwali by burning it at dawn amidst a lot of firework display.
In Hindu mythology, Narakasura or Naraka, the third avatar of Lord Vishnu is the demon son of goddess Bhudevi and Varaha. Lord Vishnu granted the boon desired by Mother Earth for her son should have a long life, and that he should be all powerful. Narakasura became evil, got addicted to power and usurped some of heavenly mother goddess’s territory by kidnapping 16,000 women. After unsuccessful attempts of killing Narakasura by many gods, Lord Krishna beheaded him with his weapon. Before break down, the Narakasura requested a boon that his death anniversary should be celebrated by all people on earth. This day is celebrated as 'Naraka Chaturdashi' - the day before Diwali.
To celebrate the Naraka Chaturdashi, Goan people make huge effigies made up of grass and waste paper and filled it with crackers. A lot of money is spent on making these effigies as some institutions conduct Narakasura competitions and announces cash prizes for the best one.
Links for reference:
http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=88993
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di5_isicXFI
http://wovensouls.org/2014/10/20/the-narakasura-festival-goa/
http://webneel.com/daily/2-diwali-narakasura-demon-goa-festival
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narakasura
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151297246721335.524103.120624356334&type=3
http://blog.parrikar.com/2009/10/14/narkasur-the-prince-of-darkness/
http://www.thealternative.in/lifestyle/naraka-chaturdashi-goas-diwali/
One can enjoy watching the most playful and live huge puppet show during this procession as there are people who create moments by holding the strings and the rods connected to the effigy of Narakasura. Lord Krishna the role played by young boy kills Narakasura by using his weapon discus at the end of this procession.
Some time the size of Narakasura effigy is so huge that minimum four to five people need to carry his head as soon as Lord Krishna beheads Narakasura in the scenario during the procession. These effigies are creatively painted and made of lightweight material like paper, straws, hay, padding and sometime thermocol.
Creating these huge and tall straw effigies is not easy. It takes at least 10 days of workmanship. Materials have to be gathered, the design needs to be worked out creatively and finally the actual making needs to be implemented. People of all ages work in this creation, the older people provide guidance and the youth takes up the responsibility.