Stampede at Goa Temple Leaves Six Devotees Dead

Tragedy Strikes Goa's Lairai Jatra: Six Dead, Dozens Injured in Temple Stampede

 

 

 

At least six people were killed and over 30 others injured in a stampede at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, North Goa, during the revered Lairai Jatra festival in the early hours of Saturday, 3 May.

The incident unfolded as thousands gathered to witness the fire-walking ritual—dhondachi zatra—a central feature of the annual celebration, where barefoot devotees walk across burning embers in honour of Goddess Lairai. Eyewitnesses reported that a sudden surge in the crowd on a sloped pathway led to chaos, with devotees falling and being trampled amidst the confusion. Volunteers and locals quickly stepped in to pull people to safety.

North Goa Superintendent of Police Akshat Kaushal confirmed the deaths, stating, “Six dead and more than 15 injured in a stampede that occurred at the Lairai Devi temple in Shrigao.” The victims include two women and a child, though their identities have yet to be officially released.

Those injured were immediately transported to Goa Medical College (GMC) in Bambolim and the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa. Some were also treated at the Bicholim hospital.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the hospitals on Saturday to assess the situation and speak with the affected families. “This is a deeply tragic event. We are ensuring the best possible medical care for the injured,” he said. The state government has ordered an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the stampede.

Preliminary reports point to inadequate crowd control and poor logistical arrangements as contributing factors, despite the deployment of over 1,000 police personnel and use of drone surveillance during the event. The annual jatra typically draws upwards of 50,000 devotees from across Goa and neighbouring regions.

The centuries-old temple, renowned for its unique architectural blend and spiritual significance, transforms each May into a focal point of devotion. However, this year’s celebration turned sombre as authorities now grapple with questions of accountability and safety preparedness.

Further details regarding the victims and the outcome of the investigation are expected in the coming days.