PANAJI
On the occasion of the famed Shri Devi Lairai zatra in Shirgao, where lakhs of devotees worship the goddess, the devotees have been present at the Lairai temple throughout the day on Sunday.
From early morning, thousands of devotees performed Devdarshan as well as 'Homkund' rounds and prayed at the feet of the Goddess for their happy life.
The Dhonds arrived at Shirgaon in the morning and bathed in the holy pool. Dhonds were seen wearing a garland of mogra flowers around the neck and by dancing hailed the goddess.
A huge crowd of devotees was seen on the road from Assnora to Shirgao. Lakhs of devotees are going to be present at Shirgao for the next five days. At least one person from every house attends the zatra in five days.
On the occasion of zatra , since lakhs of devotees attend the festival for five days, Devasthan Committee Chairman Ganesh Gawkar said that many measures and preparations have been made to avoid crowding.
Homkund was completed on Saturday night to realize 'Agnidivya'. On Sunday, lakhs of devotees had darshan all day and night.
The administration had prepared proper arrangements for the traffic system, water system and other systems as well as the parking system for the safety of the people as well as avoiding crowding in order to have a proper darshan.
In the morning after the puja ritual is completed, after placing the Chira (celebration idol) on the head of Moda, the Chira leaves to go to the temple at Muddar, the original place of Goddess, then in the afternoon, the Chira leaves again from the other place to come to the temple.
Late at night, preparations are being made to make the 'Agnidivya'. Thousands of Dhonds were performing the 'Agnidivya' at midnight and there was a huge crowd of devotees to see this ceremony.
It was said that the administration and the devasthan committee are making special efforts to ensure that the devotees do not face any problem at this place and many measures have been taken in view of the heat.
The police, traffic officer, deputy collector, case officer etc., all the administration officials have made all arrangements so that there is no inconvenience due to the fair.
