The annual Larai Jatra festival is set to commence on Sunday in Sim Wado, Arpora, where a large number of devotees gather to fast and participate in the event’s hallmark fire-walking ritual at the Laoral temple. This event has been celebrated for many years, drawing a good response from the people.
The festival’s committee receives support from the community through the donation of different food eateries, which are cooked for the 6-day-long event. A day prior to the Jatra, a Mhah Prasad is held at the temple, where the entire village and neighboring villagers take part.
One of the senior-most devotees who walk in the fire during the Jatra, popularly known as dhond, said that when the event first started, there were 19 devotees, and now the number has grown to around 40 to 45. The youngest devotee is 10 years old, and the eldest is around 75 years old. The dhond added that they have not faced any difficulties during the festival over the years.
Pramod Hadfadkar, a villager, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival, stating that they have been celebrating it for many years and have received a good response from the people. The committee’s support, including the donation of different food eateries, has been crucial for the event’s success.
