Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Apr 18: Preparations for the annual Shree Devi Lairai Jatra in Shirgao are underway with significantly enhanced safety measures and restrictions, following last year’s stampede that claimed six lives. Authorities have decided to limit commercial activity and strengthen crowd management to ensure a safer experience for devotees.
Unlike previous years, visitors walking through Shirgao on April 21 will notice the absence of the usual rows of stalls selling toys, sweets, clothes, and utensils. Instead, the entire ??????? will be under extensive CCTV surveillance, supported by a heavy deployment of police personnel.
The village is expecting nearly 2 lakh visitors on the opening day, with peak crowds anticipated at night during the ‘homkund’ ritual. Around 40,000 ‘dhonds’—devotees with a special religious role—are likely to participate on the first day of the five-day celebration.
Temple committee president Dinanath Gaonkar said that while registration is ongoing, about 20,000 applications have already been received, and 7,000 dhonds have been officially registered so far.
From the second day onward, the focus will shift to ‘kaulotsav’, a traditional ritual in which the goddess visits homes across the village before returning to the temple on the final day.
Following last year’s incident, Ankit Yadav has overseen multiple site inspections and coordination meetings with police and emergency services to improve preparedness. Shirgao has been divided into six zones, with nearly 1,000 police personnel assigned across these areas. A central control room will monitor crowd movement in real time.
Within the temple premises, separate arrangements have been arranged for general devotees and dhonds to streamline movement and reduce congestion.
Authorities have also drastically reduced the number of stalls—from over 400 last year to just 34 this time. These will primarily provide essentials like drinking water and lime juice, aiming to minimize crowding and prioritize safety during one of Goa’s most significant spiritual gatherings.