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Tragic Stampede at Goa’s Shirgaon Temple Claims Six Lives, Dozens Injured During Lairai Devi Jatra
Panaji:
A stampede during the annual Lairai Devi jatra at Goa’s Shirgaon temple claimed the lives of at least six devotees and left over 50 others injured in the early hours of Monday. The incident occurred amidst a large gathering at the revered temple, where thousands of devotees had assembled to participate in traditional rituals and processions.
The Lairai Devi jatra, held annually in April or May, is a prominent religious event attracting pilgrims from across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The festival honors Goddess Lairai—regarded in Goan folklore as an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of the seven sister deities. Rituals include offerings, prayers, and a customary fire-walk known as agnidivya, where devotees walk across embers believing their wishes will be granted.
Despite extensive security preparations involving over 1,000 police personnel—including senior officers, women constables, plainclothes officers to curb petty crimes, and drone surveillance—a sudden panic led to chaos in the densely packed crowd. The Goa Reserve Police Force and traffic police, supported by riot control units, were also stationed in the area.
What Triggered the Stampede?
According to initial eyewitness reports, the stampede began between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. when a sudden commotion broke out among the crowd gathered near the ritual fire. Panic ensued, and devotees began rushing in multiple directions, leading to a deadly crush. Preliminary reports indicate that overcrowding and insufficient crowd control may have contributed to the disaster.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant suggested that a sudden electric shock may have triggered the initial panic, although the exact cause is still under investigation. Authorities have not confirmed whether ritual firewalking was underway at the time of the stampede.
Emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the site. The injured were transported to Goa Medical College and North Goa District Hospital for treatment. Among the deceased was a 17-year-old boy.
Government and Administrative Response
Chief Minister Sawant visited the injured in hospital and assured that all necessary medical assistance is being provided. Additional teams of doctors have been deployed, and the state’s emergency response systems are on high alert. A 24/7 medical helpline (dial 104) has been activated, and ten advanced ambulances have been stationed for ongoing support, said Health Minister Vishwajit Rane.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the tragic incident. “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,” the Prime Minister stated.
As the investigation continues, state authorities have pledged to review crowd management protocols for future public gatherings of this scale.
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