BICHOLIM: The annual Devi Lairai Zatra commenced in the presence of hundreds of devotees today at Shirgao in Bicholim taluka on Tuesday, marking one of Goa’s major festivals dedicated to Goddess Lairai.
This year’s main festival was held on Tuesday followed by Kaulotsav from April 22 to 25 at the Shree Devi Lairai Temple. Thousands of devotees, known as Dhonds, observe strict vows and participate in rituals; the highlight is the fire-walking (Agnidivya) over the Homkund as an act of faith.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
State authorities made heavy security and traffic arrangements, including designated parking zones and closure of liquor outlets in the vicinity during this year’s festival period, following the stampede during the zatra in May 2025 that claimed six lives.
This year, authorities did not permit shops and stalls from Muddi up to the main temple and the roads have been kept completely open. As a result, devotees and Dhonds moved freely on the road despite a large crowd at Shirgao since the morning.
Vendors selling garlands of jasmine buds were also prohibited from setting up shops or stalls around the temple and were seen selling jasmine buds a little further away.
This year the Homkund area has been kept completely open. Only a few stalls selling cold drinks, water and snacks have been set up mainly for the convenience of Dhonds. Similarly, as planned, stalls have been set up in the parking area behind the temple. After the fair and festival are over, permission will be given to set up an additional 16 stalls near Homkund and eight stalls behind the temple. However, adequate drinking water arrangements have been made, considering the reduction in the number of stalls.
