Stampede at Goa’s Lairai Devi Temple Leaves 6 Dead, Over 15 Injured
Shrigao, Goa 03 May 2025: A tragic stampede at the Lairai Devi temple in Shrigao, Goa, during the annual Shree Devi Lairai Jatra, resulted in the deaths of at least six people and injuries to over fifteen others. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 3, 2025, as a large number of devotees gathered at the temple for the festival.
The Shree Devi Lairai Jatra is a significant religious event that commenced on Friday and draws thousands of devotees to the Lairai Devi temple. The temple, known for its unique blend of northern and southern architectural styles, hosts the Shirgao Jatra every year in May. The festival is characterized by a series of traditional rituals, culminating in a dramatic fire-walking ceremony.
To manage the large crowds expected for the Jatra, authorities had deployed around 1,000 police officers and utilized drones for crowd monitoring and control. Despite these measures, the sheer number of devotees and the intensity of the festival’s rituals appear to have contributed to the tragic stampede.
The Shirgao Jatra attracts villagers from nearby areas, including Maulingem, who participate in the day-long religious observances and offer prayers to Goddess Lairai. The Goa Tourism website provides details about the festival’s unique traditions, which build up to a climactic and intense series of events.
As midnight approaches, the atmosphere at the Lairai Devi temple becomes increasingly charged. Devotees engage in a spirited circular dance within the temple premises, rhythmically clashing sticks in time with the beat of traditional drums. This dance is a central part of the Jatra’s rituals, creating a highly energetic and emotionally charged environment.
Following the dance, a designated individual lights a massive bonfire in close proximity to the temple. This bonfire marks the most dramatic and visually striking moment of the night, drawing the attention and fervor of the gathered devotees. The flames illuminate the temple and the surrounding area, adding to the intensity of the event.
In the early morning hours, as the fire begins to subside, the fire-walking ritual commences. Devotees, driven by their faith and devotion, walk barefoot across the hot embers, chanting the name of Devi Lairai. Some devotees are said to repeat this act multiple times, demonstrating their unwavering belief and commitment.
After completing the fire-walking ritual, devotees discard their garlands on a nearby banyan tree as a symbolic gesture. The festival concludes as the sun rises, marking the end of a night of intense religious devotion and ritualistic practices.
The presence of high-profile individuals at the Jatra underscores its significance in the region. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, along with his wife Sulakshana, Member of Parliament Sadanand Shet Tanawade, and Members of the Legislative Assembly Premendra Shet and Carlos Ferreira, had visited the event earlier.
The exact cause of the stampede is under investigation. It is likely that a combination of factors, including the large crowd size, the intense energy of the rituals, and perhaps specific circumstances within the crowd, contributed to the deadly surge. Authorities are working to determine the sequence of events and identify any factors that may have led to the tragedy.
