Goa Stampede: What Is Devi Lairai Jatra? Why Thousands Walk Barefoot Across Burning Embers In Shirgao

News18

03-05-2025

Last Updated:
Shirgao Jatra, also known as Lairai Zatra, is one of Goa's most prominent festivals, held in honour of Goddess Lairai in the village of Shirgao, Bicholim.
Shirgao Jatra: In a tragic incident, at least seven people were killed and over 50 were injured after a stampede took place during annual Devi Lairai Jatra in Goa's Shirgao village in early hours of Saturday.
The stampede took place when thousands of devotees thronged the temple to witness and participate in the centuries-old ritual at the temple, where barefoot 'dhonds' walk across a bed of burning embers.
The jatra was commenced on Friday with thousands of dhonds (devotees) amid the chants of Har Har Mahadev and Lairai Mata Ki Jai. Dhonds fast during the five days of the festival and travel not just from across Goa but also from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka.
What Is Shirgao Jatra?
Shirgao Jatra, also known as Lairai Zatra, is one of Goa's most prominent festivals, held in honour of Goddess Lairai in the village of Shirgao, Bicholim. This grand event usually occurs in April or May, with dates determined by the Hindu lunar calendar. Held annually, it attracts more than 50,000 devotees.
Lairai Devi is a revered Hindu goddess worshipped primarily in Goa. The temple dedicated to the goddess is an important spiritual centre for locals and devotees from neighbouring regions as she is considered a protector and a symbol of strength and fertility.
A highlighting feature of the jatra is the famous fire-walking ritual, where devotees, known as 'dhonds,' walk barefoot across a bed of burning embers as a testament to devotion and spiritual purity.
Dinanath Gaonkar, president of Lairai Devasthan told Times of India that new dhonds are required to fast for five days of the festival, while the old ones fast for three days. He added that some fast for almost a month before the festival. During the jatra, dhonds have to be pious and consume meals only after a holy dip.
On the first day of the festival, after performing all rituals, including Garhane (appeal to the goddess for protection and blessing), the dhonds take a dip into the holy Devichi Tali.
On the way to the pond that same evening, a priest holds a kalash (pitcher). Devotees set up firewood in a pyramid form. The firewood that's already set-up in pyramid form is lit by the priest. This process is known as Homkhan (sacred fire), he told the news outlet.
After bathing in the pond, dhonds dance around Homkhan until dawn. The dancing ends only after the firewood is reduced to ashes. Thereafter, the dhonds walk barefoot on a flaming coal bed
That act of piety is the prime attraction of the jatra.
The celebration also includes a grand procession of the deity, accompanied by chanting, drumming, and offerings. Thousands of devotees and visitors gather to witness the rituals and seek blessings from the goddess.
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