The temple of Shri Lairai Devi is situated in the village of Shirgao in Bicholim taluka. Devi Lairai and Milagres Saibin (virgin Mary) of Mapusa are recognized as sisters by the Goans. The zatra takes place in the month of May. Every year thousands of devotees attend the zatra to witness the walking of Dhonds who walk bare feet through the sacred fire known as 'Homkund'.
The festival begins early in the morning and continues throughout till dawn. The dhonds take bath n then walk all the way to the temple. During midnight the dhonds perform a frantic dance inside the temple which becomes a major attraction for the people.
Next a fire is made using a huge pile of wood kept in a large clearing near the temple. In the early hours of the morning, when the fire has died down around 4 am, the actual ritual starts with the devotees running through the hot coals carrying their sticks n chanting the name of Devi Lairai. It is said that the fire does not harm the devotees. Once the dhonds are done they throw their garlands on the banyan tree near the temple.
-Aachal Naik
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