Goa, April 21 -- Govind S Poteker

The grand spectacle of fire walking, the lore of Shree Lairai, the Devi wearing a green saree is all set to relive the devotional atmosphere in the village of Shirgao and across the state. Shirgavchi Jatra will be celebrated today April 21, the waning lunar phase of Vaishakha. And, it is the time once a year when Our Lady of Milagres (Miracles) sends the fragrant Jasmine flower for the feast, and in return she receives a pot of coconut oil from Devi Lairai during the St Milagres feast that was celebrated a day prior on Monday, April 20. What a great tradition of syncretic communal harmony between two faiths, when the world is breaking apart!

As per the legends that date back to about 500 years ago, Lair...