Goa Temple Stampede: 6 Killed, Over 50 Injured during Sree Devi Lairai temple Procession
Goa Temple Stampede: 6 Killed, Over 50 Injured during Sree Devi Lairai temple Procession
Digital Desk: A stampede broke out during the annual Lairai Devi jatra (procession) at a temple in Goa's Shirgaon early Saturday, killing at least six people and injuring more than 50.
The tragedy occurred at the Sree Devi Lairai temple, around 40 kilometres from the state capital Panaji, when panic broke out amid a major religious gathering, resulting in a rapid rush among thousands of devotees. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as many tried to flee the tight gathering.
Moreover, hospitals in the area have been called upon to treat the injured.
Regarding the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed "sadness" over the deaths caused by the stampede in Shirgaon.
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: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2025
Authorities have yet to establish the actual reason for the stampede, but initial reports indicate that it occurred due to overcrowding and a lack of crowd control measures.
Vishwajit Rane, Goa's Health Minister, called it an "unfortunate stampede" and stated that they have taken "immediate and comprehensive steps" to handle the issue.
"A total of 30 casualties were reported. Of these, 8 serious patients, including two intubated cases, have been referred to GMC (Goa Medical College) for superspecialty care; 4 (2 male, 2 female) were brought in dead; 8 are admitted to Asilo; 10 are undergoing minor injury treatment; and two have been discharged," he wrote on X.
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: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2025
Shirgaon, a village in northern Goa, celebrates the Lairai Devi jatra yearly. It honours Goddess Lairai, who is thought to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of the seven sister deities in Goan mythology.
The event is well-known for its distinctive customs, such as the 'Agnidivya' (fire-walking) ceremony, in which followers, known as Dhonds, walk barefoot over a bed of burning embers to get blessings.
The annual celebration attracts thousands of believers from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
