New Delhi:
At least six people were killed and more than 50 others were injured after a stampede during the annual Lerai Devi Jatra (procession) at a temple in Shirgaon, Goa early Saturday.
The incident took place in the Devi Larry temple when nervousness spread during a big religious meeting, causing a sudden crowd. Eyewitnesses said that there were chaotic scenes as people were struggling to escape the dense crowd.
The injured have been transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that they were “unhappy” from loss of life due to stampede in Shirgaon.
PM Modi’s office posted on X, “condolences to those people.
Sadly saddened by loss of life due to stampede in Shiragao, Goa. There is condolences to those who lost their loved ones. The injured may soon recover. Local administration is assisting affected people: PM @narendramodi
– PMO India (@PMOIDIA) May 3, 2025
Mr. Sawant said that he visited the hospital to meet the injured and assured all possible support to the affected families.
“I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measures are being taken,” they have written on X.
He said, “Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with me and took a detailed stock of the situation by giving full support during this difficult time.”
This morning, in Shirgaon, Lairy was saddened by a tragic stampede at Zatra. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measures are taking place …
– Dr. Pramod Sawant (@drpramodpsawant) May 3, 2025
The authorities have not yet been confirmed the exact cause of the stampede, but preliminary reports suggest that it was due to congestion and lack of crowd control measures.
Shirgaon Jatra or Larry Devi Jatra is a Hindu festival celebrated every year in North Goa village of Shirgaon. It celebrates the Goddess Lerai, which is believed to have the incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of the seven sisters in the Goan folklore.
The festival is known for its unique rituals, in which ‘Agnidivya ‘ (Fire-walking) function where devotees are called DhondsTo seek blessings, walk barefoot on the bed of burning coals.
Devotees performing ‘Agnidivya’ on Friday
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rain called it a “unfortunate stampede” and said that he has taken “immediate and comprehensive steps” to manage the situation.
He said that he coordinated with 108 – National Emergency Ambulance Number – – to ensure that five ambulances were sent to the site, three were stationed in Asilo with three and placed on an additional three standby until the situation stabilized.
“A total of 30 casualties have been reported. GMC (Goa Medical College) has been referred to for super specialty care, including 8 important patients, including 2 intubated cases; 4 (2 male, 2 female) have been brought dead; 8 have been admitted to Asilo; 10 are receiving treatment for minor injuries; and two have been discharged;
In view of the unfortunate stampede in Larai Zatra, we have taken immediate and wide steps to manage the situation. We have coordinated with 108, ensuring that five ambulances were sent to the site, three were posted in Asilo and placed on an additional three …
– Vishwajit Rane (@Visrane) May 3, 2025
He said that ten patients are “currently serious” and under observation under casualties in GMC.
“Additional doctors have been planted, and a dedicated ICU has been installed with ventilator 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 stay on high alerts,” he said.
