A tragic stampede during the annual Shri Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao, Goa, late Friday night has left at least seven people dead and more than 30 others injured. The injured were rushed to the Goa Medical College (GMC) and the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa for medical attention.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the North Goa District Hospital to assess the situation and check on those injured. Earlier in the day, he had also stopped by the hospital in Bicholim. In a post on social media platform X, Sawant conveyed his condolences and assured that he is closely monitoring the developments.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his sympathy to the families of the deceased and wished those injured a swift recovery.

Officials have yet to confirm the exact cause of the stampede or release the identities of those who lost their lives.

The Shri Lairai Zatra, which commenced on Friday, is a deeply significant event held at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao. The festival draws large numbers of worshippers from across Goa and neighboring regions, all coming to pay homage to Goddess Lairai, a revered form of Goddess Parvati.

One of the most striking features of the festival is the dhondachi zatra, a ritual where thousands of barefoot devotees walk across burning embers as an act of devotion. The celebrations are known for their vibrant processions, rhythmic drum beats, devotional hymns, and traditional offerings, drawing crowds in the thousands.Terror Hoax Triggers Search of SriLankan Airlines Flight in Colombo