Stampede at Lairai Devi Temple in Goa’s Shirgao Claims Six Lives, Injures 30

Stampede at Goa’s Lairai Devi Temple Kills Six, Injures 30

An early morning tragedy on Saturday saw at least six persons killed and 30 injured in a stampede that took place at the ancient Lairai Devi Temple at Shirgao village in Goa. The tragedy happened when devotees were thronging the temple for the annual festival that attracts pilgrims from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, with the crowds pouring in in large numbers for the traditional festivities.

As per news agency PTI and local officials’ reports, devotees had congregated at the temple to join in the festivities, which consist of a fire-walking ceremony and a raucous night-long dance called the Shirgao Jatra. The annual festival, held annually in May, is well known for its unique blend of northern and southern styles of architecture and the vibrant cultural and religious significance. The peak of the festival is a bonfire and the act of walking barefoot over hot embers, with devotees repeating the name of Goddess Lairai.

The cause of the stampede is still to be ascertained, with a top police official saying an investigation is underway. Initial reports indicate the stampede could have been caused by a surge of devotees rushing to enter or leave the complex.

State health minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that 30 people were injured during the mishap, eight of them in critical condition. Two of the injured have been shifted to Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim for specialized treatment.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant condoled the tragedy.He stated, “Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning.”. I visited the hospital to observe the injured and ensured all the possible care to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure all the required steps are being adopted.” He also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called him, extending complete support during this time.

The festival itself is a colourful cultural event with traditional rituals, worship to Goddess Lairai, and midnight revelry within the temple. As the midnight strikes, devotees do brisk circular dances, sticks clashing to the rhythm of drum beats. The most sensational moment is when a huge bonfire is set ablaze beside the temple, signaling the high point of the night’s festivities. Early morning, once the flames subside, devotees step barefoot on burning embers, repeating the name of the goddess, a ritual that’s said to fetch her blessings.

Locals from surrounding areas, such as Maulingem, also enthusiastically take part in these rituals, which are intricately woven in local tradition and spirituality. At sunrise, the festival ends with devotees shedding their garlands on a banyan tree before returning home.

The authorities have promised the public that an investigation into the stampede is in progress, and steps will be taken to avoid such incidents in future celebrations. The whole community is grieving the loss of lives and wishing for quick recovery for the injured.