BICHOLIM: The zatra of Lairai Devi at Shirgao is a highly revered and popular event, drawing devotees not only from the farthest corners of Goa but also from neighbouring States. Many flock to this sacred site with unwavering faith and devotion, while others come to fulfil vows and seek penance. The zatra’s allure extends beyond devotees to vendors who come with equal fervour and dedication.
Susheela Shingani, a vendor from Betim-Verem, has been a regular at the Shirgao zatra for 25 years. She sets up a stall, selling pooja items and flowers, and offers her talent and time to the deity. Despite her busy schedule, she makes it a point to come to Shirgao every year, remaining for five days until the deity returns to the temple. Susheela excels in the art of garland-making and brings mogra (jasmine) flowers from the market to create exquisite garlands for the deity.
Susheela says she feels blessed to have been a part of this sacred event for so long. “Initially, I came as a young lady, curious and enthusiastic about doing business at one of Goa’s biggest zatras. As a young girl, it was exciting to come with my elders, and now, when I look back, I see that 25 years have passed, and I’ve been making garlands of mogra every year.”
Susheela’s dedication is evident in her words, “It’s a great satisfaction and blessing because I get to spend five days here, and for the first two days, which include the main zatra day, people happily buy the garlands at whatever rate we quote. For the next three to four days, people bargain, and while we don’t earn much, we do this business for the love of the deity.”
Vaishalli Mayekar, another vendor from nearby Mayem, carries forward the business started by her husband, who used to make garlands of mogra and sell them until he got a government job. Despite the challenges, Vaishalli remains committed to this work as an offering of faith to the deity. “We don’t mind leaving everything and coming here for five days; it’s a blessing. We go home feeling blessed and filled with spiritual riches.”
On the main zatra day, the demand for mogra garlands is immense, and vendors work tirelessly to keep up with the pace of their sales. Special deliveries of mogra flowers are made to vendors around the temple to meet the demand. Susheela, now in her mid-fifties, hopes to continue coming to Shirgao for many years, blessed with good health. “As long as I can come here, I will come, and if I get another 20 years in good health to come here, it will be a true blessing.”
However, Susheela also hopes that locals will increase mogra cultivation, enabling them to benefit and earn from this festival.
