Staff Reporter
Sankhali
The Shri Lairai Devi jatra of Shirgao concluded at 8 pm on Tuesday after the goddess entered the temple, marking the end of the five-day celebration. While the festivities were notably subdued following Saturday’s tragedy, the spirit of devotion remained strong as hundreds gathered near the temple after 6 pm to witness the goddess’s return.
During the day, there was markedly reduced turnout, with most devotees avoiding the temple premises. However, villagers began assembling in the evening, and the authorities went into high alert. Police maintained strict control and did not allow anyone to enter the temple.
The goddess entered the temple around 7.30 pm, with devotees chanting praises outside. Hundreds prayed at the temple gates, seeking blessings for a bright future.
Earlier in the day, police had set up barricades at strategic points and restricted vehicle entry to ensure smooth crowd control. Most shops were dismantled by Monday night following administrative orders, leaving the area largely deserted.
“The administration maintained good arrangements after Saturday, so there was no confusion,” said Dinanath Gaonkar, chairman of the temple committee.
The tragic incident on Saturday, which left six dead and several injured, cast a shadow over the otherwise vibrant event, leading to a sharp drop in footfall. The Chief Minister has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of each deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured, with disbursement scheduled after 12 days. A committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the incident and is examining multiple angles to determine the lapses.
The temple committee has urged the government to enforce stricter safety measures for future editions of the fair.
