All about Shirgao

One of the most looked forward event in the Hindu calender of religious festivities is the fire walking held at Shirgao,  near Assanora Taluka.
Though Sateri is the presiding deity of Shirgao,goddess gained popularity when it was brought to Shirgao. There are around 14 deities being given worshipped in Shirgao. It is believed that Lairai of Shirgao is the sister of Mahamaya of Maye, kelbai of Mulgao,

Morjai of morji,  Mirabai, who got converted to Our Lady of Milagres,Mapusa, Shitalai of Mayem and Ajadipa from Anjadiv island. Her lone brother is Khetoba from Vaigaini.
The deity sri Lairai in this temple is very uniquely represented. She is symbolised as a copper pot holding a white bud of the "Mogro" flower. The mogra is the special flower that is offered to the deity. Every year and new Mogra Bud is inserted in the pot and old one is replaced
The devotees of this temple, who are traditionally fire Walkers, are called "DHONDS" and comprise of gents as well as ladies. They are easily identified by the dhoti with a tower wrapped around their waist and the colourfully woven cane stick called as "ven'th" , that they carry. The cane is a 6ft  long long , woven cane, leaving a curve at one end and interspersed by colourful bunches of wood. These Dhond's carry out very strict procedures in their daily

Durtie.