Daijiworld Media Network - Shirgao

Shirgao (Goa), Apr 23: The annual Lairai Jatra at the goddess Lairai temple in Bicholim witnessed a massive turnout this year but concluded without any untoward incident, marking a significant improvement in crowd management following last year’s tragic stampede.

By Tuesday night, roads leading to Shirgao were heavily congested as thousands of devotees arrived at the temple complex. By around 10 p.m., the venue was already filled with large crowds gathered for the revered night-long rituals.

Authorities had implemented strengthened safety arrangements in response to last year’s stampede, which had claimed six lives. The temple premises and surrounding areas were brightly illuminated to eliminate dark zones, while clearly designated parking areas and active traffic management helped maintain smoother vehicle movement.

A key ritual began after the lighting of the homkhund, the large ceremonial pyre, around late night. Devotees known as dhonds, who undertake the traditional fire-walking ritual in honour of the goddess, began moving towards the embers after midnight.

Last year’s tragedy had occurred during a crowd surge when devotees were moving between the temple pond and the homkhund. To prevent a repeat, police this year formed human chains to regulate movement and keep the pathway clear. Stalls were also restricted from the main venue, helping reduce congestion in critical areas.

The most sensitive phase came around 2 a.m., when dhonds approached the burning pyre, and again around 5 a.m., when a ceremonial procession involving the goddess moved through the crowd. At both points, security forces faced heavy pressure as devotees tried to get closer to the rituals.

However, enhanced measures—including watchtowers, drone surveillance, and a dedicated control room near the homkhund—helped authorities maintain order throughout the event. Police ensured that ritual participants and general visitors remained separated during peak moments.

For the first time, additional facilities such as wheelchairs, drinking water distribution, and medical assistance centres were introduced. A temporary medical pandal treated devotees suffering from exhaustion, with doctors providing immediate care and oral rehydration solutions. Teams from police, fire services, health departments, and local administration remained on continuous alert.

Many attendees credited the removal of commercial stalls from the main area as the most effective step in preventing overcrowding. Devotees also appeared more cooperative, mindful of the previous year’s tragedy.

Participants, including dhonds and pilgrims, praised the improved arrangements and expressed hope that such safety measures would become a permanent feature of the festival rather than a temporary response to disaster.