Bicholim/Keri: The devotees associated with the worship of Lairai return to nature during their fast leading up to the goddess’ annual jatra. The dhonds, in preparation of participation in rituals, partake in entirely vegetarian fare, made of seasonal veggies and traditional dishes.The fast begins on the Hindu new year of Gudi Padwa, and five days prior to the annual fair of Lairai, these devotees who want to walk over a bed of burning coals inside the homkund, stay away from their houses. Male devotees cook vegetarian food, without help from any female family members. They reside under the shade of indigenous trees.Jaidev Bale from Lamgao told TOI, “For five days we stay on the banks of the Bicholim river at Lingachi Kond. We bathe in the river and wear simple clothing of dhoti.”Prashant Chodankar from Lamgao, said, “For the last 25 years, I feel extremely happy to live in the company of like-minded devotees, reciting devotional songs and participating in various religious and cultural activities away from family.”The Lairai jatra sees thousands of dhonds from Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka and some even from abroad participating. Devotees throng to witness the ‘agnidivya’ ritual by those who walk over the homkhand (bed of live embers). Rishi Gawade, from Pissurlem, will be participating in the agnidivya ritual for the first time. On the festival day, the dhonds bathe in the evening at a holy lake called devichi tali and then take darshan of the goddess.
