A tragic stampede that occurred during the annual Shree Lairai Zatra festival at the Shree Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, Goa, in the early hours of Saturday, May 3, 2025, is still the talk of the town. The incident claimed the lives of six devotees and left more than 75 others injured, several of whom are in critical condition and receiving treatment at various hospitals across the region. The stampede, reportedly the first of its kind in post-Liberation Goa, occurred around 2:30 am and is believed to have been triggered by overcrowding and confusion among devotees. Another theory suggests that some women tripped over a rope barrier placed for crowd control. In seconds, confusion spread and panic set in, a stampede broke out, with devotees falling over one another.
Church's Response
The Council for Social Justice and Peace, the social work wing of the Archdiocese of Goa, publicly expressed grief and solidarity with the victims and their families. In an official statement, CSJP Executive Secretary Fr. Savio Fernandes said:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic stampede at the Shree Lairai Devi Temple during the annual Shree Lairai Zatra in Shirgao, which claimed the lives of six devotees and left more than eighty injured. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families who lost their loved ones in this devastating incident. We pray for strength and healing for all those affected and for the swift recovery of the injured. The Catholic Church in Goa grieves with those who are mourning during this difficult time.”