Dhonds briefed on rituals and discipline; separate routes, CCTV surveillance and strong police bandobast planned
BICHOLIM
Preparations for the annual Shri Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao are in full swing, with the temple committee and the administration putting arrangements in place to ensure the festival is conducted safely and in an orderly manner in the wake of last year’s tragic incident.
A meeting of Dhonds participating in the zatra was held at the Sabhamandap of the Shri Devi Lairai Temple to brief them on the sequence of rituals, security measures and changes introduced for this year’s festival. The meeting was attended by Devasthan Committee President Dinanath Gaonkar, Mamlatdar Shailendra Desai, Police Inspector Vijay Rane, Sub-Inspector Shridhar Kamat, Chowgule Mankari Suryakant Gaonkar, Ajay Gaonkar, other temple committee members and a large number of Dhonds.
Gaonkar said all religious rituals will be performed as per tradition. However, special security arrangements have been planned when the sacred stone and the kalash are taken out of the temple and during the Dhonds’ procession through the homkund. He urged Dhonds and devotees to strictly follow the instructions issued by the authorities.
Police Inspector Vijay Rane said a strong police bandobast will be deployed during the festival. Separate routes will be arranged for Dhonds and general devotees inside the temple premises to regulate crowd movement. After the homkund is lit, Dhonds will proceed towards the lower area through a single designated route, which will remain closed to general devotees during the procession. CCTV cameras will also be installed around the temple and the homkund area for surveillance.
Locals raised concerns about liquor bars in Shirgao remaining open late at night. Responding to this, Rane said the North Goa District Collector will issue an order directing liquor bars in the area to remain closed on the day of the zatra.
Addressing the gathering, Chowgule Mankari Suryakant Gaonkar said Dhonds observe a vegetarian diet from Gudi Padwa and follow the ‘sovale vrat’ three to five days before the festival. He urged them to maintain discipline while serving the goddess.
Ajay Gaonkar recalled last year’s stampede and paid tribute to the six Dhonds who lost their lives, stressing that such incidents must never recur.
It was also decided that the road from Muddi to the Devi temple will be kept clear, with no shops allowed along the route. Limited stalls may be permitted near the homkund after the fire-walking ritual.
