TEAM HERALD
BICHOLIM: Thousands of devotees and Dhonds of Goddess Lairai from all over the State and other states converged at Shirgao-Bicholim to celebrate the Zatra on Sunday.
The religious rituals began Sunday morning and the Dhonds (special devotees of Goddess Lairai on fast) from all over, numbering thousands, reached Shirgao either by walking or with the help of vehicles.
Lairai is believed to be a representation of Goddess Parvati and since the devotees strongly believes that Lairai fulfil their vows, thousands of devotees from all the religions participate in the festival every year.
Forgetting their differences and caste and creed, the community joined in the festivities and all roads from Assnora to Shirgao were filled with devotees and Dhonds.
The Dhonds took a dip in the ‘Dhondhachi Tali’ (lake for the Dhonds) at Shirgao and later paid tribute to the ‘Kalash’.
At about 12 noon, the ‘Kalash’ was taken from the temple to the ‘Mudder’, a nearby hill, in the presence of thousands of Dhonds. People were seen having dip in the holy lake water before proceeding to Mudder.
Devotees believe that Lairai Devi loves Mogra flowers and hence Mogra garlands were in great demand during the festival.
A large number of shops are making brisk business selling sweets.
The highlight of the festival was the burning of the Homkund (pyre) in the wee hours of Monday, with the Dhonds walking on the embers barefoot.
During the Zatra, not only Hindus but people from all religions go to Shirgao to pay tribute to Goddess Lairai. The Zatra lasts for five days during which the ‘Kalash’ of the goddess goes in every house at Shirgao.
