Shirgao Zatra
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| Shree Lairai Temple |
One of the most famous zatra in the hindu calender is the
fire walking held at Shirgao, near Assanora in the Bicholim taluka. The zatra
takes place in early part of May, hundreds of people from the village in
surrounding areas, also take part in this celebration. Groups of these
villagers from villages such as Maulingem, arrive in the early morning hours
and participate in the events throughout the day.
This festival is in celebration of deity Shree Lairai. The
deity Shree Lairai in this temple is very uniquely represented. She is
symbolized as a copper pot holding a white bud of the “Mogra” flower. The mogra
is the special flower that is offered to the diety. Every year a new mogra bud
is inserted in the pot and the old one is replaced.
Though Sateri is the presiding deity of Shirgao, goddess Lairaie
gained popularity when it was brought to Shirgao. There are around 14 deities
being worshiped in Shirgao. It is believed that Lairai of Shirgao is the sister
of Mahamaya of Maye, Kelbai of Mulgao, Morjai of Morji, Mirabai, who got
converted to Our Lady of Milagres, Mapusa, Shitalai of Mayem and Ajadipa from Anjadipa
island. Her lone brother is Khetoba from Vaigaini.
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| Fire Walkers |
The devotees, who are traditionally fire walkers are called
as Dhond’s and comprise of gents as well as ladies. Their outfit comprises of
dhoti with a towel wrapped around their waist and the colorfully woven cane
stick called venth. These Dhond’s follow a very strict procedure in their daily
duties. They remain vegetarian for 40 days, after every meal, they bath to
purify themselves.
Earlier the place where the fire is lit (bone fire), there
used to be a Banyan tree and it was believed that the leaves of these tree
would not get signed and the flames reached the heaven.
Awesome👌
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