Team Goemkarponn
Shirgao: The village of Shirgao in North Goa is set to host the annual Lairai Devi Jatra, a significant cultural and religious event, today.
This festival honors Goddess Lairai, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, and is renowned for its unique fire-walking ritual.
The highlight of the Jatra is the Agnidivya, where devotees, known as ‘dhonds,’ walk barefoot over burning embers as a testament to their devotion.
This act symbolizes spiritual purification and resilience. Participants undergo strict fasting and penance before performing this ritual, which is a central feature of the festival.
The event also includes traditional processions, devotional songs, and offerings to the deity. Devotees carry the idol of Goddess Lairai through the village amidst chants and music, reflecting the community’s deep reverence.
The Lairai Devi Jatra is not only a religious observance but also a celebration of Goan culture, drawing thousands of visitors and devotees from across the region. The festivities commence at 6:00 PM today and continue until 5:00 AM on May 3, 2025, at the Shree Devi Lairaee Devasthan in Shirgao.
As the sun sets over Shirgao, the village will come alive with the sounds of tradition and the spirit of devotion, marking another memorable chapter in Goa’s rich cultural tapestry.
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