At least seven people were killed and more than 50 others critically injured after a stampede broke out during the annual Lairai Devi jatra (procession) at the Shirgaon temple in Goa on Friday.
The incident took place when panic spread during the large religious gathering, causing a sudden rush. Witnesses said there were chaotic scenes as people struggled to escape the dense crowd.
The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met the injured at the hospital.
Authorities are yet to confirm the exact cause of the stampede, but preliminary reports suggest it took place due to overcrowding and a lack of crowd control measures.
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane called it an “unfortunate stampede” and said they have taken “immediate and comprehensive steps” to manage the situation.
He said they have coordinated with 108 — the national emergency ambulance number — to ensure that five ambulances were dispatched to the site, with three stationed at Asilo and an additional three kept on standby until the situation stabilises.
“A total of 30 casualties have been reported. Of these, 8 critical patients, including 2 intubated cases, have been referred to GMC (Goa Medical College) for super speciality care; 4 (2 male, 2 female) were brought in dead; 8 are admitted at Asilo; 10 are receiving treatment for minor injuries; and two have been discharged,” he wrote on X.
In view of the unfortunate stampede at the Lairai Zatra, we have taken immediate and comprehensive steps to manage the situation. We have coordinated with 108, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site, with three stationed at Asilo and an additional three kept on…
— Vishwajit Rane (@visrane) May 3, 2025
He said ten patients are “currently serious” and under observation in the casualty at the GMC.
“Additional doctors have been roped in, and a dedicated ICU with ventilators has been set up to provide consolidated care. All necessary arrangements have been made, and we are closely monitoring the condition of each patient. GMC and Health services, including 108, have also been instructed to remain on high alert,” he said.
The Shirgaon jatra or the Lairai Devi jatra is a Hindu festival, which is celebrated annually in the north Goa village of Shirgaon. It celebrates Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of the seven sister deities in Goan folklore.
The festival is known for its unique rituals, including the Agnidivya (fire-walking) ceremony, where devotees, known as Dhonds, walk barefoot over a bed of burning coals to seek blessings.