PANAJI
Perhaps taking lessons from the Bodgeshwar zatra in Mapusa, the temple administration of the Lairai temple in Shirgao has decided to ban the use of plastic and to also debar stalls selling 'gobi manchurian' at the fair even as devotees and 'Dhonds' began preparations for their famed annual 'zatra' slated to begin on Sunday.
The Shirgao zatra in Bicholim attracts devotees from across Goa and also from some parts of the neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka States.
The 'Dhonds' of the temple have already begun their five and three-day fasts as per tradition at Dhangarwadi as well as at various other places in the village.
The temple's administration has this year taken precaution to ensure that devotees are not inconvenienced, including arrangements for smooth traffic movement as well as adequate parking, water availability and public safety.
According to Ganesh Gaonkar, who heads the Devasthan Committee, proper arrangements have also been made to ensure devotees face no encumbrances and darshan queues move in an orderly manner.
Preparations to set up the sweetmeat and other stalls in the fair have also begun, he added.
Hundreds of Dhonds will light fire to the wood offered to the goddess for the 'agnidivya' at the 'Homkundh' at midnight on May 12, a ritual that thousands throng to witness. They will also perform the ritual of walking barefoot on a bed of burning embers, which the zatra is famous for.
The temple administration has worked to provide special arrangements so that people can actually have a glimpse of the fire being lit.
Gaonkar has sought the cooperation of the devotees and other visitors to avoid the use of plastic and to instead use cloth bags and other eco-friendly material.
