Katia Goes & Evelyn Siqueira
The zatra of goddess Lairai is celebrated annually at the Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, Bicholim, in the month of Vaishakh. This year, the zatra was celebrated on April 24, 2023.
Keeping up with the festive spirit, devotees could be seen in colourful, traditional attire.
Lairai's favourite mogra flowers (jasmine) were sold at every nook and cranny of the temple area.
The dhonds walked several kilometers towards Shree Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, after which all rituals commence.
The idol of goddess Lairai was adorned with several garlands of sweet smelling mogra flowers, which are indigenous to the state.
The preparation of the homkund is an important ritual that culminates into a night of walking on hot coals.
One of the important rituals of the zatra is the dhonds taking a holy dip in the water on the day of the zatra.
People from all over Goa attend the Lairai zatra which is a very popular festival in the state.