Team Goemkarponn
BICHOLIM: The annual Lairai Devi Jatra at Shirgao in North Goa commenced peacefully last night, with authorities enforcing stringent security and crowd management measures to ensure the safety of thousands of devotees.
The festival began under close supervision, nearly a year after the tragic stampede in 2025 that claimed six lives and left several others injured. Learning from the incident, the administration has implemented a comprehensive safety plan this year.
Heavy deployment of police personnel, along with fire and emergency services, has been ensured across the temple premises and surrounding areas. Officials are continuously monitoring the situation to regulate crowd movement and prevent overcrowding.
To avoid congestion, authorities have banned stalls and temporary structures near the temple and the homkhand area. Clear pathways, barricading, and regulated entry and exit points have been established to facilitate smooth movement of devotees.
A control system has been put in place for real-time monitoring, while traffic diversions and designated routes are being enforced to manage vehicular movement in and around Shirgao.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had earlier appealed to devotees to maintain discipline, avoid rushing or pushing, and cooperate with officials to ensure a safe celebration.
Devotees have begun arriving in large numbers, with traditional rituals, including the fire-walking ceremony, scheduled during the early hours. Authorities have expressed confidence that with strict enforcement and public cooperation, the jatra will proceed smoothly and safely.
