Shirgao: A religious celebration turned into a tragic scene in the early hours of Saturday when a stampede broke out during the revered Devi Lairai Zatra in Shirgao, Goa, resulting in the deaths of at least six people and injuring more than 30 others.
The annual Zatra, one of Goa’s most significant religious festivals, attracts tens of thousands of devotees from Goa and neighboring states like Maharashtra and Karnataka. This year’s festivities, which began on Friday, May 2, drew a massive crowd to the centuries-old temple dedicated to Goddess Lairai.
According to eyewitnesses, the stampede occurred in the pre-dawn hours as devotees moved along a narrow, sloping stretch of the pilgrimage route. A sudden surge in the crowd’s movement led to chaos, with several people losing balance and being trampled. On-ground volunteers and locals rushed to help, pulling individuals from the crush.
Preliminary reports indicate that overcrowding and insufficient crowd-control measures may have contributed to the disaster. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. The injured have been transported to Goa Medical College in Bambolim and the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa. Several remain in critical condition.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the injured at the hospital and assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announced the activation of emergency response systems, including a 24/7 medical helpline (104) and the deployment of ten advanced 108 ambulances.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Narendra Modi expressed his condolences: “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”
The Shri Lairai Zatra, usually held in April or May according to the Hindu lunar calendar, honors Goddess Lairai with unique rituals that attract more than 50,000 people annually. This year’s tragedy has cast a shadow over what is typically a joyous and spiritual occasion.