PM Modi Offers Condolences For Shirgao Stampede During Lairai Devi Temple Yatra

Tragic Stampede at Lairai Devi Temple Yatra in Goa Claims Lives, PM Modi Offers Condolences

A tragic stampede during the Shri Lairai Yatra at Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao, North Goa, on Saturday morning resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The annual religious event, which attracts over 50,000 devotees, turned chaotic due to severe overcrowding and a sudden crowd surge on a downward slope, exacerbated by inadequate crowd management.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness over the incident, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. “The local administration is assisting those affected,” the PMO stated. Modi also discussed the situation with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, ensuring the Centre’s full support.

CM Sawant visited the injured at the hospital, assuring all possible assistance to the affected families and personally overseeing the response. He shared his grief on X, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning.”

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that all district hospitals, including Goa Medical College, are on high alert and equipped to manage the crisis. The yatra, a centuries-old tradition, includes a ritual where barefoot ‘dhonds’ walk over burning embers as an act of devotion.

watch:https://youtu.be/c-eTxpLLmZw?si=UQZsGazdDT1TgCIU

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

Highlights

Stampede in Shirgao: Deadly stampede at Shri Lairai Yatra, Goa, on Saturday killed several, injured others.
PM Modi’s Response: Modi offered condolences, assured support, and reviewed the situation with CM Sawant.
CM Sawant’s Efforts: Sawant visited the injured, pledged support, and is overseeing the response.
Event Details: Over 50,000 devotees attended; overcrowding and a crowd surge on a slope caused the stampede.
Health Response: Minister Rane confirmed hospitals, including Goa Medical College, are on high alert.