What is narkasur?

Narkasur is a mythological demon in Hinduism who is believed to have lived in ancient India. According to Hindu mythology, Narkasur was the son of Goddess Bhudevi and the demon Hiranyakashyap. He was born with immense strength and power, which he used to terrorize and intimidate the people around him. As he grew older, he became more and more violent, eventually becoming a major threat to the entire community.

The story of Narkasur's defeat is popularly associated with the festival of Diwali in India. According to legend, Lord Krishna fought and killed Narkasur on the day before Diwali, freeing the people from the demon's tyranny. This event is celebrated on the day of Narak Chaturdashi, which falls on the fourteenth day of the Hindu month of Ashvin.

Today, the tradition of celebrating Diwali by burning effigies of Narkasur has become widespread in some parts of India. People make effigies of Narkasur, which are then filled with firecrackers and set ablaze. The burning of Narkasur's effigy is seen as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.