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PANAJI, GOA, INDIA, May 3, 1006: The day-long festival that honors the Goddess Lairai Mata, is a night when Goa does not sleep. After offering prayers to the Goddess, devotees walk over smouldering embers to wash away their sins. And it is said that only those who are pure have no burnt feet. The 700-year-old temple, dedicated to the Goddess Lairai, is situated about 30 km northeast of Panjim. Instead of an icon, the temple houses the Goddess in the form of a pot, as it is believed that She is formless. “This festival holds great importance for all devotees or Dhonds who walk on fire. These people fast from morning till evening for five days, ensuring that any food or water consumed is done only after bathing. Everyone in the village practices this ritual and they all walk on fire. This starts at 3 and continues till six in the morning. The devotees have a firm faith in the Goddess as they believe that she helps them in trouble and also fulfills their wishes. That’s why we register more than 400 devotees every year,” said Vasudev Vishnu Krishna, the President of Lairai Temple Management Committee. “One of the main reasons for this flaming worship is that Lairai Mata is considered a combination of the powers of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh,” adds Krishna. About three hundred thousand people are expected to visit the temple for this year’s anniversary. Considered by scholars to be a part of the Sapta-Matrika group, Lairai Mata has a strong following. “I have been coming here for the last ten years for offering worship. In the whole year I fast for five days and then live on fruits for another five,” claims Prashant, a fire-walker. The Dhond population in Goa is estimated to be over 50,000, and they come to the temple in traditional attire on the day they have to walk on fire. They carry with them a colorful stick made of cane, which is considered to be the symbol of the Goddess.

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