Bicholim: The pre-rituals of popular zatra of Shri Lairai Devi, Shirgao, which is commencing from April 24 and attracts thousands of devotees, have begun. Dhonds have started with their fast, which lasts for three to five days.
The fast is observed in groups in various villages at religious sites such as temples, springs, laks and pavilions specially erected for this purpose.
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“The surface is coated with cow dung and the foods meant to be consumed during fasting days are cooked only after wearing traditional sovale (dhoti). The fast is followed strictly in order to maintain the pleasant environment for all five days,” said one of the dhonds, Sanjay Arolkar.
“The temple committee has begun the preparations in full swing and administration too is working on keeping the system in place. Since the number of devotees go in lakhs, Mamlatdar Rajaram Parab has taken the review meeting with the members of the Temple Committee,” said Ganesh Gaonkar, President of Shri Lairai Devi Temple Committee.
During the zatra, with people crowding markets for vegetables, fruits, clothes and other materials, local vendors witness a turnover of lakhs of rupees.
For the next five days many devotees across the State will observe fast and lead a strictly minimalistic lifestyle.
