Latest news with #LairaiDevijatra
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Six dead and over 50 injured in temple stampede at Indian tourist hotspot
At least six people were killed and more than 50 injured when a stampede broke out early on Saturday at a temple in the western Indian state of Goa. The stampede took place around 3am at the Shri Lairai Devi temple in Goa's Bicholim, located around 40km from the state capital Panaji, where thousands of devotees were gathered for the annual Lairai Devi jatra or procession. It is unclear what led to the stampede but local media reported eye witnesses saying there was a sudden rush among devotees, which led to panic and chaos. 'The incident happened around 3.30am on 3 May. The annual Lairai Jatra was on 2 May, people had started coming since early morning from across Goa and neighbouring States. It was so overwhelming for the police staff to handle the crowd as it increased as the day progressed,' assistant sub-inspector Arun Desai from the Bicholim Police Station told The Hindu. 'By late night, we could not understand how it had happened. We are assuming a person must have fallen down and tripped, and some people started walking over them, and possibly that is how the stampede broke out. We are still investigating the matter. 'Over 65 people are injured, and the number could be more. Six have died.' VIDEO | Visuals from Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village where a stampede broke out during a temple festival in North Goa in the wee hours of Saturday.(Source: Third Party)#Goa #GoaStampede — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 3, 2025 The injured are being treated at nearby hospitals and authorities have reportedly said at least 10 injured remain in critical condition. Goa's chief minister Pramod Sawant visited two of the hospitals to assess the situation. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he expressed his condolences, writing: 'Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken.' Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being… — Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) May 3, 2025 Prime minister Narendra Modi posted on X: '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.' 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: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2025 Indian media reported that over 1,000 police personnel had been deployed for the festival to ensure crowd control, ensure safe passage for everyone attending, and oversee the event. The Lairai Devi jatra is a major religious festival dedicated to Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Parvati and one of seven sister deities in Goan folklore. State health minister Vishwajit Rane said that 'immediate and comprehensive steps' had been taken to manage the crisis. In view of the unfortunate stampede at the Lairai Zatra, we have taken immediate and comprehensive steps to manage the situation. We have coordinated with 108, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site, with three stationed at Asilo and an additional three kept on… — Vishwajit Rane (@visrane) May 3, 2025 In a post on X, Mr Rane said emergency services were activated swiftly, with five ambulances dispatched to the site through coordination with 108, the national emergency ambulance service.
India Gazette
03-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Goa CM visits Shirgao, directs state administration to conduct inquiry into stampede
Panaji (Goa) [India], May 3 (ANI): Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited Shirgao after a stampede occurred during the Lairai Devi jatra, resulting in six deaths and over 50 injuries. The stampede incident took place on Saturday at around 4-5 AM. Goa Chief Minister directed the state administration to conduct an inquiry into the incident. Sawant said that this is the first such incident in Goa, and added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called to enquire about the situation. Speaking to ANI, Pramod Sawant said, 'The unfortunate stampede incident took place today at around 4-5 AM. This is the first time a stampede incident has taken place in Goa. I have reached the spot right now. I met the injured at different hospitals. Six people died in the incident. I have asked the State administration to conduct an inquiry into the incident... PM Modi called me and enquired about the incident...' Meanwhile, Maem MLA Premendra Shet said that Lairai Devi Jatra has been underway since Friday. The incident took place because of the slippery and sloped area near the temple, causing some devotees to fall and others to be trampled in the chaos. Maem MLA Premendra Shet said, 'Famous Lairai Zatra was underway since 3 am, at a sloppy area, some of the devotees fell on top of the others. A stampede situation occurred...6 people died in the of 4 have been kept at the district hospital in Mapusa, 2 bodies are at the Community Health Centre...4 injured are in critical condition...' President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the tragic incident of the stampede in Shirgao, Goa, which claimed six lives. (ANI)
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.
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First Post
03-05-2025
- First Post
7 dead, many injured at stampede in Goa temple: Did electric shock lead to the tragedy?
A stampede broke out at Goa's Shri Lairai Devi temple in Shirgaon village, leaving at least seven dead and several others injured. Thousands of devotees had assembled for the popular annual jatra celebration when panic triggered chaos. What happened? read more An injured being taken to a hospital after a stampede during a temple festival, in Panaji, Goa, Saturday, May 3, 2025. At least seven persons were killed and 30 sustained injuries after a stampede broke out at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in North Goa. PTI A festive gathering turned into a heartbreaking tragedy at Goa's Shri Lairai Devi temple in Shirgaon village on Friday, when a stampede broke out during the temple's annual jatra. The chaos left at least seven people dead and over 30 injured, with the tally expected to rise. The stampede took place in the early hours of the morning as thousands of devotees had assembled at the temple for the popular annual celebration. Many had travelled from across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to take part in the ritual, which draws massive crowds each year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Eyewitnesses said there were chaotic scenes as people struggled to escape the dense crowd. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant both expressed their grief over the loss of lives, and Sawant visited the North Goa District Hospital to take stock of the unfolding situation. But what exactly led to the stampede? Here's what we know so far. What happened? The stampede took place around 3 am at the Shri Lairai Devi temple in Bicholim, where thousands had gathered to take part in the temple's annual jatra, which began on Friday. Held in the north Goa village of Shirgaon, the Lairai Devi jatra is a major religious event that honours Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of the seven sister deities in Goan folklore. The festival is famous for its powerful rituals and massive turnout of devotees. As midnight approaches, the devotees perform a circular stick dance, synchronised with rhythmic drum beats. The ritual reaches its peak when a designated person lights a massive bonfire near the temple. This marks one of the most awaited moments of the celebration. Once the flames subside in the early morning hours, comes the most intense ritual of all—'Agnidivya'—where devotees known as 'Dhonds' walk barefoot over a bed of burning embers to seek blessings. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD People walk around a bonfire during a temple festival in Panaji, Goa, Saturday, May 3, 2025. At least seven persons were killed and 30 sustained injuries after a stampede broke out at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in North Goa. PTI But this year, something went terribly wrong. Eyewitnesses said the crowd began to lose control at one point during the early morning rush. A sudden push near a sloped section of the route caused people to surge forward all at once, creating panic and triggering a stampede. Initial reports suggest that the combination of a massive turnout and insufficient crowd control measures led to the deadly rush. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant later stated that a sudden electric shock may have triggered the panic among the crowd, according to NDTV. However, the exact cause is still being investigated. People around a bonfire during a temple festival, in Panaji, Goa, Saturday, May 3, 2025. Initial reports suggest that the combination of a massive turnout and insufficient crowd control measures led to the deadly rush. PTI Despite the scale of the event, the festival wasn't short on security. Over 1,000 police personnel were deployed for crowd management and overall safety, as reported by The Indian Express. The forces included the North Goa district police, India Reserve Battalion, and Goa Reserve Police. Yet, even with such a large security presence, the situation slipped out of control, raising questions over crowd control and management. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ambulances deployed, health dept on high alert Following the stampede, the emergency services were put on alert. Police rushed to the scene and immediately launched rescue operations, while locals and volunteers joined efforts to pull people to safety from the chaos. The state government initiated an emergency response immediately after the incident. Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said they have taken 'immediate and comprehensive steps' to manage the situation. An ambulance carries injured after a stampede broke out during a temple festival, in Panaji, Goa, Saturday, May 3, 2025. Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said they have taken 'immediate and comprehensive steps' to manage the situation. PTI He said coordination was established with 108—the national emergency ambulance service—to dispatch five ambulances to the site. Three more were positioned at Asilo Hospital, with an additional three kept on standby until the situation could be brought under control. A 24/7 helpline has also been started for medical emergencies. In view of the unfortunate stampede at the Lairai Zatra, we have taken immediate and comprehensive steps to manage the situation. We have coordinated with 108, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site, with three stationed at Asilo and an additional three kept on… — Vishwajit Rane (@visrane) May 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to NDTV, at least seven people, including a 17-year-old boy, lost their lives in the tragedy. As per The Times of India, the six victims have been identified as Surya Mayekar from Sakhali in Bicholim; Pratibha Kalangutkar of Kumbharjua; Yeshwant Kerkar from Thivim; Sagar Nandarge of Mathwada, Piligao; and Aditya Kauthankar and Tanuja Kauthankar from Auchit Wada, Thivim. Over 30 others were seriously injured in the stampede. Among them, at least 10 are in critical condition and are currently being monitored at the Goa Medical College. Chief Minister Sawant confirmed that medical teams have also been deployed to the Primary Health Centre in Bicholim, the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, and Goa Medical College in Bambolim to ensure that all injured receive prompt and proper care. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PM Modi dials Sawant, expresses grief In the wake of the tragic stampede, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called Goa CM Pramod Sawant to get an update on the situation and offer his condolences. Expressing his sorrow over the loss of lives, PM Modi wrote on X, '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.' 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: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2025 CM Sawant, who visited the hospital to meet the injured victims, assured them of full support from the state government. He later shared an update on X as well. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Goa: A stampede during the Shirgaon Temple procession in Goa resulted in 6 deaths and 30 serious injuries. Panic spread in the crowded area, and emergency services quickly responded. Preliminary reports suggest overcrowding and lack of proper arrangements as possible causes. Goa… — IANS (@ians_india) May 3, 2025 'Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken. Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time,' he posted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Goa Congress reacts The Goa Congress also expressed its condolences to those affected by the stampede. Goa Congress is deeply saddened by the stampede at Jatrotsav of Shree Lairai Devi,Shirgao. We condemn this tragic incident and offer heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured. @DrAnjaliTai @ViriatoFern — Goa Congress (@INCGoa) May 3, 2025 Sharing a message on X, the party said, 'Goa Congress is deeply saddened by the stampede at Jatrotsav of Shree Lairai Devi, Shirgao. We condemn this tragic incident and offer heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured.' With input from agencies
United News of India
03-05-2025
- United News of India
Six killed in stampede in Goa temple
Mumbai, May 3 (UNI) At least six people were killed and more than 60 injured in a stampede during the annual Lairai Devi jatra (procession) at a temple in Goa's Shirgaon early Saturday. According to available details, the incident took place at the Sree Devi Lairai temple when panic spread during the large religious gathering of fire walking, causing a sudden rush among thousands of devotees. Witnesses said there was chaotic scene as people struggled to escape the dense crowd. The injured were admitted in local hospital. Further details are awaited. UNI AAA KK
