Team Goemkarponn
SHIRGAO: In response to the tragic stampede at the Shirgao Zatra that resulted in six deaths and left over 80 injured, the Shree Devi Lairai Temple Committee has introduced a mandatory registration process for all Dhonds (devotees) participating in future events.
The decision comes amid heightened concerns over safety, following chaotic scenes during the recent annual festival where unregulated crowds and lack of coordination contributed to one of the worst such incidents in recent memory.
The stampede, which took place during the early hours of the ritual procession, exposed serious lapses in crowd management and event planning.
To improve oversight and ensure better control during future religious gatherings, especially the Zatra, the temple committee has now made it compulsory for all Dhonds to register.
As per the official notice issued on Sunday, devotees must submit two passport-size photographs and a valid ID proof to the committee on an urgent basis.
“The Dhonds of Shree Devi Lairai are hereby requested to submit their two passport-size photographs and valid ID proof to the temple committee for the purpose of registration as early as possible,” the statement reads.
The registration initiative is aimed at helping authorities manage the growing number of participants, streamline security measures, and prevent a repeat of the devastating incident.
The Shirgao Zatra draws thousands of devotees annually, many of whom take part in rigorous rituals.
In the wake of the stampede, several questions have been raised regarding the lack of regulation and the increasing number of unregistered Dhonds, some of whom were reportedly injured even before the fatal crowd surge occurred.
The committee has indicated that further safety measures and structural reforms may be introduced ahead of next year’s festival to safeguard the well-being of all participants.
