Goa Temple Stampede: Six Dead and Dozens Injured in Tragic L

A devastating stampede during the annual Lairai Devi Jatra in Shirgao village, North Goa, has left the nation in mourning. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, claimed the lives of at least six people, including a 17-year-old boy, and left over 50 injured. As investigations continue, questions are being raised about crowd management, safety protocols, and the tragic chain of events that led to the catastrophe.

Lairai Devi Jatra

The Incident: How the Stampede Unfolded

The stampede took place between 4:00 am and 4:30 am during the peak of the Lairai Devi Jatra, a major religious procession dedicated to Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of the seven sister deities in Goan folklore. It annually attracts devotees from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Over 30,000 to 50,000 devotees had gathered at the temple for the annual fire-walking ritual and other religious observances.

Eyewitnesses described a sudden panic among the densely packed crowd. Initial reports suggest the following:

Overcrowding and inadequate crowd control measures were major contributing factors.
Some reports and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant himself hinted that a sudden electric shock might have caused the initial scare, leading to a chaotic rush.
Devotees were gathered around a large fire for a sacred ritual believed to fulfill wishes. This ritual sometimes involves walking on embers, known as agnidivya. However, it remains unclear if this was taking place at the exact time of the incident.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes when some devotees standing on a slope fell, causing a chain reaction as others stumbled upon them.
Police officials confirmed that 40–50 people fell in that one area, leading to the stampede which remained localized but deadly.
VIDEO | Visuals from Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village where a stampede broke out during a temple festival in North Goa in the wee hours of Saturday.

(Source: Third Party)#Goa #GoaStampede pic.twitter.com/qtCn4ReIMb— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 3, 2025

Possible Triggers: Electric Shock or Overcrowding?

While the exact cause is still under investigation, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that a sudden electric shock may have caused panic among the crowd, sparking a desperate rush to escape. However, other accounts point to overcrowding and inadequate crowd control measures as potential contributors to the disaster.

Key observations from the scene:

There was a sudden rush as panic spread through the densely packed crowd.
Devotees began jostling and pushing to get away from the suspected source of danger.
The situation quickly escalated due to lack of swift crowd dispersal mechanisms.

The Victims and Emergency Response

The stampede claimed the lives of six individuals, including a 17-year-old boy. Many of them died on the spot, while others succumbed to injuries en route to hospitals. One person remains in critical condition, while around 50 others sustained injuries, some serious.

Rescue and medical response highlights:

The injured were taken to Goa Medical College, North Goa District Hospital, and a Community Health Centre.
Additional teams of doctors were deployed at the hospitals.
Ten advanced ambulances were dispatched to the site.
A 24/7 medical emergency helpline (dial 104) was activated by the Goa Health Department.
#WATCH | On the stampede at the Lairai Jatra in Shirgao, Goa CM Pramod Sawant says "The unfortunate stampede incident took place today at around 4-5 AM. This is the first time a stampede incident has taken place in Goa. I have reached the spot right now. I met the injured at… pic.twitter.com/AiSTXQCQiz— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2025

Security and Crowd Management at the Festival

Despite extensive security arrangements, the situation slipped out of control. Authorities had prepared for large crowds, but the incident revealed cracks in the execution of the plan.

Security arrangements included:

Deployment of over 1,000 police personnel, including DSP-level officers, women cops, and undercover officers to monitor for pickpocketing.
Goa Reserve Police Force was present on ground.
300+ traffic police officers were deployed to manage vehicular flow.
Drone surveillance and even a Vajra Van (riot control vehicle) were on standby.

Still, the crowd control during the stampede appeared to be ineffective, underscoring a potential gap between planning and real-time management.

Lairai Devi Jatra

Government and Administrative Reaction

CM Pramod Sawant’s Response

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the affected sites and hospitals, confirming the fatalities and injuries. He cancelled all government programs for the next three days as a mark of respect for the deceased.

Statements from the CM:

“Six people had died before being shifted to hospital. I went to the community health centre where the bodies of two have been kept. I visited the district hospital as well, where 10 people are admitted... one person is in serious condition among them.”
“Every necessary measure is being taken,” he assured, confirming that an official investigation is underway, led by the SP North Goa and the District Collector.

PM Narendra Modi’s Statement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and confirmed that the Centre will fully assist the state in relief efforts. In a tweet from his office, he said:

“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”

He also personally called CM Sawant to take stock of the situation.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane’s Statement

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane reassured the public that:

All hospitals are fully equipped to handle emergencies.
A 24/7 helpline (104) is available for any medical queries.
Emergency response teams and additional doctors are deployed across key hospitals.
Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected: PM @narendramodi— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2025

About the Festival: Lairai Devi Jatra

The Lairai Jatra is one of the most significant religious events in Goa, celebrating Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Parvati and revered as one of the seven sister deities in Goan folklore. Held annually in April or May, the festival involves elaborate rituals, including:

Processions featuring symbolic representations of the Goddess and her siblings
Rituals involving fire, such as agnidivya, where devotees walk on burning embers as a test of faith and purity
A massive gathering of devotees who believe their wishes will be fulfilled through participation

The event, though rich in cultural and spiritual significance, also demands robust planning and crowd control, particularly given its ever-growing popularity.

#WATCH | On Shrigao stampede, North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal says, "We are still trying to determine the exact cause of the incident. However, we have been told that the stampede might have happened due to some people spreading rumours... The biggest challenge for us was to… https://t.co/Mb05F8FaXR pic.twitter.com/kPBC4QuyO0— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2025

Looking Ahead: Calls for Accountability and Reform

This tragic incident has ignited debates on the following:

Adequacy of safety protocols at large religious gatherings
Training and preparedness of emergency personnel
Communication and real-time crowd management systems
Whether rituals involving fire and large congregations need stricter supervision or modification

An in-depth investigation is currently underway, and there are growing calls from civil society and political leaders for institutional reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The Goa temple stampede during the Lairai Jatra serves as a somber reminder of the delicate balance between tradition and safety. While faith and devotion are central to cultural identity, public safety cannot be compromised. As the state and central governments extend support and initiate inquiries, the focus must now shift to ensuring that such sacred events are safe, well-organized, and inclusive for all.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies