BICHOLIM, April 22 -- The annual Devi Lairai Zatra commenced in the presence of hundreds of devotees today at Shirgao in Bicholim taluka on Tuesday, marking one of Goa's major festivals dedicated to Goddess Lairai.

This year's main festival was held on Tuesday followed by Kaulotsav from April 22 to 25 at the Shree Devi Lairai Temple. Thousands of devotees, known as Dhonds, observe strict vows and participate in rituals; the highlight is the fire-walking (Agnidivya) over the Homkund as an act of faith.

State authorities made heavy security and traffic arrangements, including designated parking zones and closure of liquor outlets in the vicinity during this year's festival period, following the stampede during the zatra in May 2025 that c...