Latest news with #Lairai
Time of India
05-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
At Shirgao, goddess to return to temple without pomp
1 2 Panaji: A few days after the Shree Devi Lairai Jatra stampede tragedy left six dead and 74 injured, the temple's 'kaulotsav' was subdued, with fewer devotees attending due to the unusual circumstances. The temple committee decided not to have any procession taking the goddess back to the temple on the last day of the jatra on Tuesday. The procession is usually accompanied by dancing, but this won't happen this year. From the second day, the goddess visited each house in the village until she returned to the temple on the fifth day of the jatra. Those who were not able to attend the jatra usually come in large numbers for the 'kaulotsav' to seek the blessings of the goddess. After the stampede, the number of devotees visiting Shirgao reduced to a large extent, but a crowd was still witnessed at the house to seek the goddess' blessing. Usually, devotees, including 'dhonds', special devotees of Lairai, visit for 'kaulotsav'. 'We saw a decrease in the number of devotees visiting Shirgao for the 'kaulotsav' to take the blessing of the goddess,' said a resident, Upendra Goankar. Temple president Dinanath Gaonkar said that the committee decided to remove all the stalls along the roadside by 8am on Tuesday, and accordingly, the mamlatdar issued the order. 'We have asked people not to come to Shirgao on Tuesday to avoid a crowd. Except for the 'chowgule', who are with the goddess throughout the jatra and will accompany the goddess in the temple, nobody else will be allowed inside the temple mandap,' said the temple president. 'Usually, we carry out a procession on the last day from Tisk to the temple, a distance of around 300m, before the goddess is installed in the sanctum. During the procession, people dance on both sides of the goddess, but in view of the stampede, this year, there will be no such procession,' he said. Six people died and 74 others were injured in a stampede at jatra early on Saturday morning. Three of the deceased — two women and a 16-year-old boy — were identified as 'dhonds,' special devotees of the goddess. The stampede, perhaps the first in post-Liberation Goa's history, occurred on the second day of the five-day jatra that began on Friday.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Divine bond: Two sisters bring two faiths together
Panaji: The jatra in Shirgao in honour of the goddess Lairai brings together two faiths — Hindus and Catholics — as the goddess is said to be one of the six sisters of Our Lady of Miracles of Mapusa. Both feasts are celebrated within a couple of days of each other. Very rarely — just three times in over 50 years — has the feast and jatra been celebrated on the same day. 'Our Lady of Miracles (Milagres Saibinn) was one of the seven sisters who was converted by the Portuguese to the Catholic faith. She is called Mirabai ,' writes the Jesuit priest Father Apolinario Cardozo in the book, 'When Goa Celebrates'. The two sisters are also believed to visit each other on the day of their respective festivals. 'There is the tradition of gifts sent by the sisters to each other. While Lairai sends one 'couso' (pot) of oil, Milagres sends one basketful of flowers. These gifts are sent on the day of the feast and the jatra, respectively,' writes Maria de Lourdes Bravo da Costa Rodrigues in her book, 'Feasts, Festivals and Observances of Goa'. On Monday, the feast day of Our Lady of Miracles, both Catholics and Hindus offer candles, oil, money, and even miniature body parts made of wax, in exchange for favours granted. At the Shirgao jatra , it is not uncommon to see Catholics pay their respects. 'The (Our Lady of) Milagres (Miracles) feast is celebrated on the third Monday after Easter,' Vasudev Joshi, priest of the Shirgao temple, told TOI on Saturday. 'We believe she is Mirabai, sister of goddess Lairai. Some 60 years ago, we used to send flowers and oil from here to Milagres. It is believed that the feast should always be on a Monday and should not clash with the Shirgao jatra.' He said that it is believed that once, the jatra and feast happened on the same day, and a bench in the church caught fire. 'However, over the past 60-65 years, since I know of it, no exchange has taken place between the temple and Milagres. Though we believe they are sisters, the younger priests do not believe in it,' he said. A temple dedicated to Mirabai was located at Mayem, until the Portuguese, during the later part of their reign, captured the areas further north. Mirabai's temple is believed to have been destroyed in the process, but she took on the form of Our Lady of Miracles for devotees. Mirabai's six sisters, who were worshipped in different temples, are believed to have been Lairai at Shirgao, Mhamai at Mayem, Kelbai at Mulgao, Monai at Morjim, Mahalasa at Mardol and Adiadipa at Anjediva. Khetko is their only brother.
NDTV
03-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
What Is Goa's Lairai Festival, During Which 6 Died In A Temple Stampede
Panaji: A stampede during the Lairai Devi jatra in Shirgaon, North Goa, left at least six people dead and over 50 injured. The incident occurred at the revered Sree Devi Lairai temple, about 40 km from Panaji, amid a large crowd of devotees gathered for the annual festival. Initial reports indicate that overcrowding and insufficient security management triggered the chaos, although an official cause is yet to be confirmed. The incident has drawn national attention to one of the state's most iconic religious events. So, what is the Lairai jatra, and why does it draw such massive crowds every year? Who is Goddess Lairai? Lairai, one of the seven sister deities worshipped in Goan mythology, is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The village of Shirgaon has been the focal point of her worship for generations, with the temple playing host to elaborate rituals and processions in her honour every year. For how long has the Lairai Festival been celebrated? The Lairai Devi jatra is an annual religious fair that spans six days and is among Goa's most awaited temple festivals. It has been observed for generations, blending religious devotion with deeply rooted cultural traditions. For tourists and locals alike, the highlight of the festival is the symbolic fire-walking ritual. What makes the festival unique? What sets the Lairai jatra apart is the dramatic Agnidivya ritual - a fire-walking ceremony where devotees known as Dhonds walk barefoot across burning embers. A group of male devotees, known as Dhonds, prepare spiritually and physically for weeks before walking barefoot across the bed of glowing embers. Considered an act of immense faith and devotion, this ritual takes place in the early hours and is the spiritual centrepiece of the event. Traditionally, the number of Dhonds was fewer than 20, but the figure has grown to around 40 to 45 in recent years. Participants range in age from children as young as 10 to elders in their 70s. They prepare through fasting and prayer, often accompanied by community support and temple rituals. How is the community involved? The jatra spans six days, marked by religious ceremonies, fasting, and large communal meals. On the eve of the fire-walking ritual, the temple organises a Mahaprasad, or grand feast, in which villagers and visitors from nearby areas come together. Families and local communities contribute food and resources, underlining the collective nature of the event. The shared participation in both devotion and hospitality helps sustain the festival's vibrancy and scale. Why does the festival attract such large crowds? Every year, the event draws thousands of people from Goa as well as neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is one of the most well-known festivals in the Konkan region due to its scale, rituals and strong cultural ties. For many, it is not just a festival but a deep-rooted cultural tradition passed down through generations.
NDTV
03-05-2025
- NDTV
An Electric Shock, Then Sudden Rush? What Led To Deadly Stampede At Goa Temple
Panaji: A stampede left at least six dead and dozens injured at a temple in the coastal city of Goa last night. The incident occurred during a large gathering at the Shirgaon temple. The devotees were participating in an annual procession when panic spread through the crowd, causing a sudden rush. Eyewitnesses have described a chaotic scene at the temple when the tragedy struck. Lairai Jatra The Shirgaon temple was packed with devotees for the Lairai Devi jatra, the procession of Goddess Lairai and her siblings held annually during April or May in Shirgaon. An elaborate security arrangement was made for the grand event in coordination with the temple committee. Over a thousand police personnel were deployed at the temple, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-level officer. Dozens of other senior officers and hundreds of constables and women cops were also part of the security structure. Several officers roamed in civilian clothes to prevent pickpocketing and other crimes. The Goa Reserve Police Force was also on the ground. To ensure smooth traffic, over 300 traffic police personnel were deployed. The police used drone surveillance to keep an eye on the crowd. A Vajra Van, or riot control vehicle, was also on standby. What Led To Stampede Midnight visuals showed a crowd of devotees gathered around a huge fire at the temple for a custom that involves sitting around the fire and making wishes. Devotees believe their wishes come true if they participate in this ritual. Some even walk on embers. But it is not known if people were taking part in the custom at the time of the stampede. Around 4-4:30 am, a sudden rush was seen among the crowd. Panic spread and chaotic scenes unfolded as devotees started jostling to escape, as described by eyewitnesses. Initial reports suggest overcrowding and a lack of crowd control measures led to the rush. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said a sudden electric shock is believed to have sparked panic in the crowd. But the exact cause is not known yet. The emergency services were put on alert. The police rushed to the stampede site and began rescue operations. At least six people, including a 17-year-old boy, lost their lives in the stampede while 50 others suffered serious injuries. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Authorities' Response Mr Sawant said the injured are being treated at the Goa Medical College and North Goa District Hospital. Additional teams of doctors were deployed at these two hospitals. The Chief Minister met the injured at the hospital and is monitoring the situation. Every necessary measure is being taken, he assured, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken detailed stock of the situation. PM Modi also offered condolences and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. "Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected," said the Prime Minister. A 24/7 helpline has been started; for medical emergencies, one can dial 104, informed Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane. Goa Medical College and other district hospitals are fully equipped, and 10 advanced ambulances have been deployed, he said.
News18
03-05-2025
- General
- News18
Goa Stampede: What Is Devi Lairai Jatra? Why Thousands Walk Barefoot Across Burning Embers In Shirgao
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. First Published:
