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Committee opposes ‘state festival’ status

THE GOAN NETWORKPublished Apr 13, 2026, 10:32 PM IST

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BICHOLIM

The temple committee has opposed a proposal by the State government to grant the Lairai festival the status of a ‘state festival’.

“There was no consensus on the matter and hence, the committee rejected the proposal to grant ‘state festival’ status to the event,” said President of the Lairai Devasthan Committee Dinanath Gaonkar.

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2 colour codes for dhonds at Shirgao's Lairai festival

Temple panel president says 92 CCTV cameras installed; ID cards issued to 7,000 dhonds

THE GOAN NETWORK

Published Apr 13, 2026, 10:29 PM IST

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BICHOLIMPrecautionary measures are being taken to ensure that no untoward incident occurs during the Lairai festival of Goddess Lairai, which will be held at Shirgao on April 21.Addressing a news conference, President of the Lairai Devasthan Committee Dinanath Gaonkar said a total of 92 CCTV cameras have been installed from the ‘Homkhand’ (sacred fire area) to the temple premises, adding that there will be two separate colour codes assigned for the dhonds.Gaonkar stated that…