Shirgao, Goa – May 3, 2025
A tragic stampede at Lairai Devi Temple in Goa’s Shirgao village left six people dead and over 30 others seriously injured during the early hours of Friday morning. The stampede happened during the famous Lairai Jatra festival, which is celebrated every year with a massive gathering of devotees who come to witness the fire-walking ritual known as “Agnidivya.”
The festival, which is one of the most important religious events in Goa, turned into a nightmare when overcrowding and poor crowd control led to panic and chaos. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the tragedy and have promised strict action if negligence is found.
What Happened at Lairai Devi Temple?
The incident occurred around 4:30 AM when thousands of devotees had gathered to participate in or watch the Agnidivya ritual, where devotees walk barefoot across a large bed of burning embers. This act is done as a display of deep faith and religious devotion.
According to eyewitnesses, the crowd was unusually large this year. When the ritual began, some devotees rushed forward, pushing others and causing people to fall. In the confusion, several people were trampled, leading to the deaths of six individuals and injuries to many more.
Rescue operations were quickly launched, with local police, fire services, and medical teams working together to move the injured to nearby hospitals. Some of the injured are in critical condition and are being treated at Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim.
Victims of the Stampede
Among the six people who died in the stampede, three were women and one was a child. Many of the injured are said to be from nearby villages and had come to the temple with their families. The names of the deceased have been released to the families, and the government has announced compensation for the victims.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, expressed deep sorrow and said, “This is a very unfortunate incident. We will ensure that the families of the victims receive proper support and financial assistance. We are also setting up a high-level committee to investigate the incident.”
What Is the Lairai Jatra Festival?
The Lairai Jatra is one of Goa’s most famous and spiritual religious events. It is held annually in Shirgao, a small village in North Goa’s Bicholim taluka. The festival honors Goddess Lairai, who is believed to be a form of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
The main highlight of the festival is the fire-walking ritual performed by hundreds of male devotees known as “dhonds.” These devotees prepare for the ritual by fasting, meditating, and staying away from worldly pleasures for several days. On the final night of the festival, a massive bonfire of wood is lit, and by early morning, it turns into glowing embers. The dhonds then walk barefoot over the burning embers as an act of religious dedication and personal sacrifice.
The ritual is considered sacred and is performed with great discipline and spiritual focus. Thousands of people gather every year to witness this powerful display of devotion.
Why Did the Stampede Happen?
Preliminary reports suggest that the stampede happened due to overcrowding and lack of proper crowd control measures. Shirgao is a small village, and managing large crowds during a major festival like Lairai Jatra is always a challenge.
This year, it is estimated that over 70,000 people attended the event, far exceeding the capacity of the venue. Officials are also investigating whether the local administration had enough police, volunteers, and safety barricades in place.
Eyewitnesses have said that there were no proper entry and exit points, and when the fire-walking ritual began, many people tried to get a closer look, leading to pushing and panic.
Government Response and Investigation
Following the tragic stampede, the Goa government has ordered a high-level inquiry to find out what caused the incident and who is responsible. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also visited the injured at the hospital and assured families that all medical expenses would be covered by the state.
The government has announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to those who were injured. A helpline has also been set up to assist families searching for missing relatives or needing information about the injured.
The Goa Police and District Collector’s office are working together to gather CCTV footage, talk to witnesses, and review the safety plans that were made for the event. If negligence is found, strict action will be taken against those responsible.
Public Reaction and Calls for Safety
The stampede has triggered a massive outcry on social media and in the public, with people questioning why crowd safety was not better managed. Religious festivals are sacred, but they also pose risks when crowds are not properly handled.
Many people have said that such a tragedy could have been avoided if better arrangements had been made. Activists and community leaders are now calling for stricter guidelines for organizing large religious events in India.
“This was not the first time so many people gathered for this festival. Every year, the crowd increases, and yet we see the same poor planning,” said one local resident.
Religious Faith vs Public Safety
While the Lairai Jatra is an important part of Goan culture and spiritual identity, the tragedy shows that faith alone cannot ensure safety. With more people attending such festivals each year, it is essential that modern safety tools and planning are used to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.
Religious devotion and cultural pride must go hand in hand with public safety, especially during mass gatherings. Festivals should bring people together in celebration—not result in loss of life.
The stampede at Lairai Devi Temple in Goa’s Shirgao is a painful reminder of the risks involved in managing large crowds during religious events. Six people lost their lives and over 30 were injured in what should have been a day of faith and joy.
As Goa mourns this loss, there is hope that the government and religious organizers will learn from this incident and take strong steps to prevent such tragedies in the future. Devotees deserve to worship in peace and safety.
