A tragic stampede during the annual Shri Lairai Zatra festival at the Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, Goa, has claimed the lives of at least seven devotees and left more than 30 others injured.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, around 3 am, as thousands gathered to participate in one of the region’s most revered religious celebrations.
The stampede reportedly began after a devotee stumbled on a steep section near the narrow approach road to the temple. “The circumstances are not yet clear, but it appears that one person fell on a steep slope near the approach road of the temple, which then led to a stampede,” a senior police officer said, requesting anonymity. The congested path quickly descended into chaos as panicked worshippers tried to escape the surge.
Those injured in the incident were immediately transported to various medical facilities, including Goa Medical College (GMC), North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, and the Bicholim Primary Health Centre. Among the injured, at least 10 are reportedly in critical condition and remain under close medical supervision.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the hospitals in Bicholim and Mapusa to assess the situation firsthand and extend support to the affected. Posting on X, he said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgao 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.” He further confirmed that an inquiry had been initiated to investigate the cause of the disaster.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the tragedy on X, stating, “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.”
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi also mourned the loss, writing on X, “The news of the death of several devotees and injury of many others in a stampede during the annual pilgrimage to the Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, Goa, is very sad. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. Also, I hope for the speedy recovery of all the injured.”
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that additional medical teams had been deployed, and a special ICU unit had been established to manage critical cases.
The Shri Lairai Zatra is a significant annual event celebrated with deep devotion at the Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao. Thousands of worshippers from across Goa and nearby states assemble to pay homage to Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. A major attraction of the festival is the Dhondachi Zatra, a unique ritual where devotees walk barefoot over burning embers as an act of faith and penance. The celebration also features vibrant processions, traditional drumming, and devotional songs, drawing massive crowds each year.
Despite a robust security deployment that included over 1,000 personnel from the North Goa District Police, India Reserve Battalion, and Goa Reserve Police, the tragedy could not be averted.
