Explainer: Tragedy at Goa’s Lairai Devi Jatra: Stampede at Shirgaon Temple Leaves 6 Dead, Over 50 Injured

A religious celebration turned tragic in Goa’s Shirgaon village on Saturday, May 3, 2025, when a stampede at the Sree Devi Lairai temple led to the death of at least six people and injuries to over 50 others. The incident occurred during the annual Lairai Devi Jatra, a major spiritual and cultural event attended by thousands from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

What Happened?

Eyewitnesses report that during the early morning hours, as thousands of devotees gathered for the fire-walking ritual, panic broke out. A sudden surge in the crowd caused a stampede, with people scrambling to escape the packed grounds. The narrow temple pathways and inadequate crowd control worsened the situation, leading to multiple fatalities and dozens injured.

What Is the Lairai Devi Jatra?

The Lairai Devi Jatra is one of Goa’s most significant religious festivals. It honors Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Parvati and revered as one of the seven sister goddesses in local folklore. The highlight of the event is the ‘Agnidivya’ ritual — where Dhonds (devotees) walk barefoot over burning embers to demonstrate faith and devotion.

This ritual, although centuries-old, draws tens of thousands of attendees each year, including both pilgrims and tourists. The crowd size has been steadily increasing, often overwhelming local infrastructure.

Leaders React: PM Modi, CM Sawant Respond

Following the tragic incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating:

Following the tragic incident, President’s Smt Droupadi Murmu expressed his condolences, stating:

What Caused the Stampede?

The exact cause remains under investigation, but poor crowd management and lack of exit control are believed to be contributing factors. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to determine whether structural flaws, lack of police personnel, or an external trigger sparked the panic.

What Happens Next?

• Inquiry Launched: Goa Police have begun a full inquiry into the incident.
• Safety Measures Under Review: The state government has announced it will review crowd control policies for future religious events.
• Support for Victims: Medical treatment is ongoing for the injured, and families of the deceased will receive compensation.