At least seven people were killed and more than 30 others injured in a stampede during a religious festival at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Goa’s Shirgao village late on Friday night, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The stampede occurred during the annual Shri Lairai Zatra, a significant event that draws thousands of Hindu devotees from across the coastal state and beyond. The festival is renowned for its fire-walking ritual, known as the dhondachi zatra, where participants walk barefoot across burning embers as an offering to the goddess.
Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the injured at the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa and the Bicholim hospital earlier in the day. “We are closely monitoring the situation. Our prayers are with the bereaved families, and the government will provide all necessary support,” Mr. Sawant said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences over the incident, calling it “deeply distressing.” He extended sympathies to the families of the deceased and wished a swift recovery for those injured.
According to police officials, the stampede took place around midnight as the crowd swelled during the peak of the festivities. While the exact cause is yet to be officially determined, preliminary reports suggest a sudden surge in the crowd near the temple premises triggered panic, leading to the tragedy.
The injured have been shifted to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) in Bambolim and the district hospital in Mapusa. Several are reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased as identification is ongoing. A probe has been launched to investigate crowd control measures and the sequence of events leading to the stampede.
The Shri Lairai Zatra is a centuries-old tradition that honours Goddess Lairai, regarded as a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. The festival is marked by a vibrant procession, ritualistic drumming, devotional chanting, and offerings at the temple, culminating in the dramatic fire-walking ceremony.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as devotees rushed to participate in the midnight ritual. “There was pushing from all sides, and suddenly people started falling. We couldn’t move,” said one survivor who was treated for minor injuries.
Local authorities had anticipated large crowds and had reportedly deployed security personnel and emergency services at the site. However, questions are now being raised over the adequacy of the preparations.
The Goa government has promised compensation for the victims’ families and has called for a review of safety protocols for future religious gatherings.
