A tragic stampede during the Shri Lairai Zatra festival at Shirgao in Goa claimed at least seven lives and left over 30 people injured late Friday night. The injured were swiftly transported to Goa Medical College (GMC) and North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa for urgent medical care.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the district hospital to assess the situation firsthand and had earlier checked on patients at Bicholim Hospital. Posting on X, he conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and confirmed that he is closely overseeing the response.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended sympathies, assuring that the local administration is actively supporting those affected by the incident. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi offered his condolences as well, wishing a quick recovery for all the injured.

While investigations are ongoing, officials have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the stampede or the identities of the victims.

The Shri Lairai Zatra, a revered annual event, began on Friday and draws thousands of devotees from Goa and beyond. Held at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple, the festival honors Goddess Lairai, regarded as an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Its highlight, the traditional dhondachi zatra, features devotees walking barefoot across smoldering embers—a ritual of deep faith and devotion.

The festival is renowned for its vibrant processions, rhythmic drumming, and devotional fervor, attracting massive crowds each year seeking the goddess’s blessings.