A devastating stampede occurred during the Shri Lairai Jatra religious procession in Shirgaon, Goa, resulting in the deaths of six people and injuring more than 30 others. The injured were immediately admitted to hospitals, including Goa Medical College and North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, where they are receiving treatment.
Tragedy Strikes Shri Lairai Jatra in Goa
The incident happened on a Friday night when a large crowd had gathered for the traditional Shri Lairai Jatra, an important Hindu festival celebrated mainly in March and April. The festival holds great significance for the local people of Goa, especially those from South Goa’s Shiroda village, where the Lairai Devi temple is located.
The incident happened on a Friday night when a large crowd had gathered for the traditional Shri Lairai Jatra, an important Hindu festival celebrated mainly in March and April. The festival holds great significance for the local people of Goa, especially those from South Goa’s Shiroda village, where the Lairai Devi temple is located.
Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and visited the hospitals to meet the injured. He assured that all necessary medical care and support would be provided to the victims to help them recover as soon as possible.
The Shri Lairai Jatra is a revered event where devotees also perform a ritual of walking over fire, which attracts many spectators. Although the event usually has police arrangements, this year’s larger crowd overwhelmed the usual safety measures. Officials are investigating the cause of the stampede and whether any lapses in crowd management contributed to the incident.
This tragic event has left the community in shock and mourning, highlighting the need for improved safety measures during large religious gatherings to prevent such disasters in the future.
