Six Dead, Over 80 Injured in Stampede at Shree Lairai Zatra Festival in Goa; PM Modi, CM Sawant Express Grief

By  News On Air   May 03, 2025

In Goa, six persons lost their lives and over 80 others were injured in a stampede at the Shree Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao village at Bicholim today.

The incident occurred early this morning when thousands of devotees thronged the temple to witness and participate in the centuries-old ritual at the temple, where barefoot ‘dhonds’ walk across a bed of burning embers.

The injured are undergoing treatment at Bicholim Health Centre in Mapusa District Hospital and Goa Medical College and Hospital. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant met the injured people at the Mapusa District Hospital.

The state government initiated an emergency response immediately after the incident. All necessary medical arrangements have been made and government is closely monitoring the condition of each patient. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief at loss of lives in the incident.

In a social media post, Mr Modi wished speedy recovery for those injured. He said, the local administration is assisting those affected.