RAMESH V. SAVAIKAR
The Lairai Jatra, which will be held today, April 21, is one of the most popular jatras held annually in the village of Shirgao. It is especially known for the traditional ritual of ‘agnidivya’ (walking barefoot on burning embers) by thousands of devotees, called ‘dhonds’. Hence it is also known as ‘Dhondachi jatra’.
Since the original temple of Lairai is at Mudder (believed to be 500 years old), the ‘dhonds’ first visit Mudder and offer prayers there.
After arriving at Shirgao, they first take a holy dip in the ‘Devichi Tali’ (pond) before visiting the temple to seek the deity’s blessings. They then walk three time around the wood kept for the bonfire before returning to the Devichi Tali with a ‘mogra’ (jasmine) garland, attired in dhoti, ‘baniyan’ and holding a ‘vetachi kathi’ (cane stick) in hand. In the early morning they then walk barefoot on a large bed of burning coals in the display of faith.
A large number of devotees from different parts across the state throng to Shirgao on the jatra day to seek blessings of deity Lairai. A four-day long Kaulotsav is held after the first day.
