MAPUSA
This is not just a story “ it is the lived experience of a pilgrim, one that many are already aware of but few have had the courage to speak about openly. It needs to be told, because it touches the lives of countless women who silently endure harassment during a sacred festival.
The annual Shirgao Jatra, held in reverence of Goddess Lairai, draws thousands “ even lakhs “ of pilgrims from across Goa and beyond.
Devotees flock to the temple to seek the goddess’s blessings, participate in rituals and witness the awe-inspiring homkund (fire-walking ceremony).
But amid the spiritual fervour and sacred atmosphere, an unsettling pattern has emerged, casting a shadow over the revered celebration.
Several attendees have raised concerns about inappropriate behaviour by certain men who exploit the crowded environment of the festival.
In a bold and courageous move, Manila Shirodkar, a local woman, released a video on social media recounting her own traumatic experience during the Jatra.
Shirodkar shared that she was encouraged to attend by a friend and initially felt spiritually fulfilled after witnessing the divine rituals.
However, her peace was soon shattered when she noticed disturbing behaviour by a group of men “ both locals and outsiders “ deliberately mingling in the crowd and inappropriately touching women under the guise of jostling through the packed gathering.
“One of them kept lurking nearby and touching every woman coming his way. After a few minutes, he came close and tried to grope me,” Shirodkar said in the video.
“I didn’t hold back and slapped him hard when he came for me. Shocked, he muttered ‘Nahi madam, nahi madam’ and vanished into the crowd,” she added.
Her story has struck a chord with many women who have silently endured similar experiences but hesitated to speak up.
Shirodkar’s call for change is clear: “We come here to worship Lairai Devi “ a powerful goddess. How can such disgusting acts take place in her presence? I have spoken out because this needs to stop. I urge other women to come forward too.”
Locals have echoed her sentiments, with many acknowledging that such incidents have been quietly tolerated for years.
“People don’t want to talk about it because it’s a religious event. But that silence has allowed these wrongdoers to continue. It’s time we protect the dignity of our women and the sanctity of the zatra,” said Sushant Naik, a resident of Assonora.
Community leaders and organisers are now under pressure to increase vigilance and take firm action to prevent such misconduct.
Attendees and activists alike are calling for increased security, separate pathways for men and women and the installation of CCTV cameras to deter inappropriate behaviour.
As faith in Lairai Devi remains unshaken, the hope is that the divine sanctity of the zatra will be preserved “ not only through rituals but also through respect, dignity and safety for every devotee.
