By The Sampadak Express
In the aftermath of a tragic stampede at the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra in Shirgao village, the Goa government has announced the cancellation of all state-supported events and public celebrations for the next three days. The stampede occurred in the early hours of Saturday and has left at least six people dead and more than 70 injured.
A circular issued by the General Administration Department confirmed the decision, stating it as a mark of respect for the victims and their families. “In view of the tragic stampede incident that occurred during the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao, and as an expression of condolences to the departed and their families, the Government of Goa directs that all Government-supported festive programmes and public celebrations scheduled over the next three days be cancelled or postponed,” said Under Secretary Shreyas D’Silva in the statement.
All government departments, corporations, and autonomous bodies have been instructed to strictly comply with the directive.
According to Goa Director General of Police Alok Kumar, the incident occurred when thousands of devotees estimated between 30,000 and 40,000 gathered for the annual temple festival. The tragedy unfolded on a narrow slope where a few people fell, triggering a cascade that led to dozens being trampled.“
About 40 to 50 people fell on the slope, leading to chaos and the unfortunate stampede,” the DGP said.
Emergency services responded quickly, and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and assess crowd management lapses.
