Six Dead, Dozens Injured in India's Goa Religious Festival Stampede

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Six people have died and dozens have been injured in a stampede during a religious festival at the Shree Devi Lairaee Shirgao Temple in Goa, India, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Ten of the injured are in critical condition and are receiving treatment at local hospitals.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this bloody incident during the religious festival. 

Many politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed grief over the incident

"Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as quoted by NDTV.

1. Many People Fell

As reported by India Today, the police stated that the stampede was caused by many people standing on a sloping area near the temple. "A few people fell on the slope, causing others to fall on top of each other," said Police Director General Alok Kumar.

2. Victims and Treatment

Goa State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane stated that a total of 80 injured people are being treated, with 10 in critical condition.

"My whole team has been active the whole night they have been working. 80 people have been injured and brought to hospital. The focus of the Health department is to save the lives of the critically injured, which are about 10," he said.

3. Aid for Victims' Families

According to Al Jazeera, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic stampede in a statement.

He visited the hospital and assured that "all possible support" would be provided to the families of the victims, both those killed and injured.

4. The Annual Festival

The Shree Lairaee Zatra Festival, which began on Friday, May 2, 2025, is an annual festival celebrated at the Shree Devi Lairaee Temple in Shirgao, Goa.

Followers from all over the state and surrounding areas gather to honor Dewi Lairai, believed to be a form of Dewi Parvati. The peak of this festival is the traditional dhondachi zatra, where followers walk on hot coals barefoot.

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