The fragrance from the garland made out of jasmine (mogra) rends the air, turning the ambiance into a captivating experience for thousands of devotees who throng the shrine of Lairai Devi in Shirgao to offer their prayers. Shirgavchee Zatra (feast) will be celebrated today, the 2nd May, Vaishakh Panchami as per the lunar calendar.
A humid day is no issue, as every road will lead to the temple, and it’s a sight to behold as Dhonds, the Devi’s devotees, clad in red or orange or purple dhoti and a white cotton banian, holding a twisted (Beth) cane stick, will be the cynosure of everyone. The enthusiasm and energy of each devotee is unimaginable, be it youngsters or the elderly, coming from far and wide. The feast is never missed by people, as success in their lives is considered as the Devi’s blessing.
Flower and Oil as a Gift
This is a story of seven sisters and a single brother who made Goa and the neighbouring state their permanent abode, coming from high hills. Sisters Mahamaya, Kelbai, Mirabai, Lairai, Morjai, and brother Khetlo or Khetoba settled in different villages of Goa. Deities are revered in their respective villages and worshipped as family deities.
According to legend, even after a change in faith by one of the sisters, the confluence of two cultures, love amongst them never subsided. During Shirgao Zatra, Lairai Devi receives a basket of mogra flowers from her sister Mirabai, now known as Our Lady of Milagres, Mapusa. In return, a pot of oil is gifted by Lairai Devi on the occasion of the Milagres feast, which will be celebrated on the coming Monday, the 5th May.
Temple President’s Message
Speaking to this writer, the president of the Devasthan committee, Dinanath Gaonkar, conveyed his wishes to all the devotees. This is a feast of faith by people in the deity, and we expect Dhonds to play an active role in the success of the festival.
Briefing about the festival, he said, after the arrival of 22 Chowgules, the Mankaris (who participate in the ritual), the festivity begins with the
beating of drums in the Lairai Devi temple. Lairai Devi is worshipped as Kalash, which is composed of a copper pot adorned with jasmine flowers. Invoking the blessings from the Devi, the ‘Chira’ is taken from the temple in a traditional procession to Mahamaya Devasthan, Mulsthan, the original site of Lairai Devi’s temple.
Dhonds and Fire Walking
Dhonds are the devotees who take part in fire walking. Any person who has faith in the Devi can become a Dhond. Gaonkar stated, “But it is important that the person has to abstain from consuming non-veg food and alcohol. Some follow the ritual starting from Saunsar Padvo or Gudi Padvo,” he confesses. Eight-day fasting before the feast is followed by Mankaris. It is believed that Lairai Devi undertook fire walking as an act of repentance towards her ill-treatment of her brother, Khetoba. Dhonds are emulating the Devi, showing their total faith and devotion. During fire walking on the red amber, the hot and humid atmosphere is such that many of the Dhonds enter a trance state.
If humanity has to live, then it is the existence and co-existence of diversities we have inherited, and there is nothing better to celebrate than the feast of Lairai Devi and St. Milagres feast, the essence of composite culture.