Stampede at Goa’s Lairai Devi Festival Kills 7 Devotees
A tragic stampede occurred in the early hours of Saturday during the annual Lairai Devi Jatra in Shirgao, North Goa, leaving at least seven devotees dead and over thirty injured. The incident took place during the popular dhondachi zatra, a fire-walking ritual that draws tens of thousands of devotees each year to the Shri Lairai Devi temple.
The stampede reportedly began due to overcrowding in the narrow pathways leading to the temple area. Despite the deployment of over 1,000 police personnel and drones for crowd surveillance, the preventive measures fell short in handling the overwhelming rush of pilgrims. Eyewitnesses described a sudden surge of people pushing forward, which led to chaos, panic, and ultimately, a crush in which many were trampled.
Those injured were immediately rushed to Goa Medical College and North Goa District Hospital. Some of the wounded are said to be in critical condition, prompting the administration to declare a state-level emergency response.
Lairai Devi pilgrimage turns fatal
The Lairai Devi Jatra is a centuries-old annual celebration dedicated to Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The highlight of the festival is the ‘homkund’ ritual where devotees walk barefoot across a bed of burning embers in a show of religious fervor.
Each year, the event attracts tens of thousands of devotees not just from Goa but from neighboring states as well. However, the sudden influx of such massive crowds has historically posed logistical and safety challenges, which many locals and observers now argue were not adequately addressed this year.
Official response and investigation
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the injured in both medical facilities and announced an inquiry into the cause of the stampede. “I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken,” he said, adding that the state government would extend all possible help to the families of the victims.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also issued a statement expressing sorrow, saying, “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.”
In a mark of respect for the deceased, the Goa government has canceled all official celebrations and programs scheduled over the next three days. A high-level investigation is currently underway to determine what went wrong and who, if anyone, should be held accountable.
As Goa mourns the tragic loss of life, serious questions are being raised about crowd control measures at major religious gatherings and whether enough was done to prevent such a calamity. Calls for stricter protocols and better preparedness are growing louder in the wake of this preventable disaster.
