A devastating stampede at Goa’s coastal Bicholim district’s Shirgaon temple killed at least six people and injured more than 50 others in the annual Lairai Jatra festival. The tragedy hit early on Saturday morning as thousands of pilgrims had come to witness a sacred midnight ritual around a holy fire.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of pandemonium as panic engulfed the crowd during the spiritual event. The stampede killed six people, including a 17-year-old boy, and injured dozens with severe injuries. Emergency responders acted swiftly, rushing the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Giant Gathering for Lairai Jatra
The Shirgaon temple was filled with worshippers celebrating the Lairai Jatra — a yearly festival in honor of Goddess Lairai, who is said to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The jatra, which is usually celebrated in April or May, draws huge crowds of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The festival marks the marriage of Goddess Lairai and her six sibling deities, which is a vital component of Goan folklore.
Regardless of sophisticated security measures, such as drone patrols and the deployment of more than 1,000 policemen, the tragedy could not be averted.
The authorities had made major security arrangements in consultation with the temple committee. A DSP-rank officer, top officers, dozens of constables, and several women officers were deployed on the spot. Goa Reserve Police Force officers and more than 300 traffic police officials were also deployed. Police officers in mufti were deployed in such a way that they could keep a check against pickpocketing.
The police had also deployed a Vajra Van (riot van) for rapid response and utilised drones for surveillance of crowd movement. Yet, the stampede happened as unexpectedly as it did, making one wonder how crowd management happens during high-traffic events.
What Triggers the Stampede?
Early reports indicate that the stampede happened somewhere between 4:00 to 4:30 am as devotees were performing the fire ritual, an integral component of the jatra. The participants surround the fire, pray, and some even tread on embers in a custom called ‘agnidivya’. It is not known if this ritual was in progress as panic set in.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told that a sudden electric shock might have triggered the panic. “But the cause is still not known,” he explained. The sudden rush and overcrowding were the reasons behind the stampede, according to eyewitnesses.
Rescue Efforts and Government Response
Emergency services were quickly put into operation. Police and rescue forces arrived at the location quickly and conducted rescue efforts throughout the morning. “The injured are being treated at the Goa Medical College and North Goa District Hospital,” the Chief Minister, Sawant, said. He met with the injured and assured them that all measures are being taken.
The Chief Minister also asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally keeping a close watch on the situation. “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected,” PM Modi tweeted in a statement.
Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2025
Medical Assistance and Helpline Launched
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has confirmed the deployment of 10 state-of-the-art ambulances and more medical teams. “A 24/7 helpline has been initiated; in case of medical emergencies, one can call 104,” he added. All district hospitals have been put on high alert.
The government has assured a proper investigation into the accident and has assured assistance to the families of the dead and injured.
