The Devi Lairai temple is illuminated for the famous Zatra at Shirgao.
BICHOLIM
Thousands of devotees from across the State and beyond are expected to participate in the five-day Devi Lairai Zatra which begins at Shirgao on Friday.
The State government had recently declared the Devi Lairai Zatra as a State festival, and the State and temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements during the festival.
Devotees gather to pay their tributes to the deity Lairai, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
The festival deeply rooted in tradition has unique rituals called 'Agnidivya' followed by the devotees known as Dhonds who will walk barefoot on the burning embers during the Mahotsav in the wee hours of Saturday. This fire-walking ritual is performed after undergoing strict fasting, prayers and penance as a preparation for this spiritual ceremony.
Apart from the fire-walking ritual, the festival includes a grand 'palkhi' procession, where the idol of Goddess Lairai is carried through the village amid devotional songs, drumming, and dance. Devotees make offerings of flowers, incense, and coconut to express gratitude and seek blessings.
The event draws thousands of visitors, both devotees and tourists, captivated by its spiritual and cultural significance. Various religious and traditional rituals are performed throughout the day.
The Devasthan President Dinanath Gaonkar has appealed to devotees to fully cooperate with the administration and the Devasthan Committee during the five-day festival.
“We sincerely appeal to people to observe discipline at the festival since the number of devotees is huge, and not to disrupt traffic by haphazard parking of vehicles,” said Gaonkar.
Meanwhile, North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal and senior police officers visited the temple to review security and traffic arrangements at the site. SP Kaushal also interacted with officers of different departments and the temple committee
Two drones have been deployed for aerial surveillance to support ground teams in monitoring crowd movement and ensuring public safety, said SP Kaushal.
A large fair comprising sweets and other stalls have been set up for the festival. However, Gobi Manchurian stalls have been banned at the festival.
Flower vendors have arrived from various areas and most will be selling Mogra (Jasmine) flowers in huge quantities at the festival.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has extended his wishes to devotees at the festival of Devi Lairai.
