The Shirgaon Jatra

The Shirgaon Jatra is one of the famous Jatra (Feast) all over Goa. It is also known as Dhonachi Jatra or Lairaidevi Jatra. The Jatra clecbration starts with invocation of Lord Ganesh on Chaitra Shudha Amavashay. On the day of jatra blessings is taken from Goddess Lairai in afternoon, then after people go to place called Muddi which is there on the boundary of Shirgao Village. As per the hindu calendar Jatra is celebrated on the Vaisha Shudha Panchami. Pujari (Priest) of the Temple of Lairaidevi distribute ‘Tirth’ (holy water) in the morning 7.30am to all the villagers from its ‘Kalash’(sacredpot).

The Golden Idol of Goddess Lairai which is kept in the priest house is carried in a ‘Peth’ (box) by the 22 Chowgules (people who play important role in the ‘jatra’ celebrations from village) and bring it in the temple and then idol is removed and located in the ‘Patlo’ (bamboo made basket) and then idol is covered with cloth. All devotees of the Goddess pray to her and the idol is taken to place Muddi by the priest, Dhonds (devotees of the goddess) along with musicians with music. After Goddess reach Muddi all new Dhonds take blessings from Goddess. The idol is taken back to the main temple once the blessing to new Dhond is over. Once all are back in temple other formal procedure are performed. Then ‘kalash’ decorated with ‘patkoli’ and ‘kudo’ flowers. Then Pujari carry it on his head and taken to the place called ‘vadakade’ (banyan tree) and then lights the ‘Homkhand’.

The Goddess proceeds from there to the sacred tank which is known as ‘Dhonachi Tali’ and pours water into it three time from the kalash and taken rest to the Muddi. During the resting period in early morning around at 2 am to 5.30 am thousands of Dhonds  takes bath in that tali (tank) and walk thought the sacred fire by there barefoot for the blessing of goddess. Walking on the fire is major attraction of jatra. Thousands of other people who are not involved in this gather to see. The ‘koul’ is given to the villagers by the Goddess after four days of the ‘jatra’. Then the kalash is kept back in temple. With this the ‘jatra’ which is celebrated with tradition comes to an end.