At least seven people were killed and over 30 injured after a stampede during the Shri Lairai Zatra in Goa’s Shirgao late on Friday. The injured have been admitted to the Goa Medical College (GMC) and the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa for treatment.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the North Goa District Hospital following the incident to take stock of the situation. He also visited the Bicholim hospital earlier in the day.
The Chief Minister, in a post on X, expressed his condolences and shared that he is personally monitoring the situation.
Authorities are yet to release further details about the cause of the stampede or the identities of the victims.
The Zatra started on Friday. Shri Lairai Zatra is a deeply revered annual festival celebrated at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Goa’s Shirgao. Devotees from across the state and beyond gather to honour Goddess Lairai, believed to be a form of Goddess Parvati. The highlight of the festival is the traditional dhondachi zatra, during which thousands of devotees walk across burning embers barefoot.
The celebration features a grand procession of the deity, marked by rhythmic drumming, devotional chanting, and ceremonial offerings. Thousands of devotees and visitors converge to witness the vibrant rituals and seek the blessings of the goddess.
Article source: indiatoday.in
