Fishing activities begin but Kolis apprehensive about catch

NAVI MUMBAI: Dressed in their vibrant ethnic attires, the Koli community celebrated

Narali Purnima

and offer prayers to the sea god on Saturday. Dancing to feet-tapping Koli music, the celebrations were heard across the city.


The Koli community stop venturing into the seas during the monsoon. But from Narali Purnima, the community start a new venture with their boats and hope to get a good catch.

However, this season they are a bit sceptical about the catch. They are doubting whether they would get good amount of fish as the amount of garbage in the sea has increased. “We are wondering if the catch will be good as there is too much of filth and sewage accumulated near the coast of the creek,” said Manoj Meher, head of the fishermen from Sarsole Koli gaon who usually ventures into

Vashi

creek near the bridge.

“A few years ago, one would see a lot of fish swimming near the creek and we were delighted to get our catch. However, since last year we have been facing knee-deep pollutants and sewage that has been accumulated near the creek. This hinders free movement of fish. So, we are apprehensive whether we would get 50% of the catch as compared to previous years. This season, the condition has just become worse and we only pray that it will be a good season,” said Govind Koli, a fisherman.

Meanwhile, the community celebrated Narli Purnima with glitz and glitterati on Saturday at various locations along Thane Creek and extended jetties. Sarsole junction, Airoli-Diva jetty and Belapur jetty, Diwale, Vashi coast sported a sea of humanity. Thousands of devotees thronged at the venues to join in the celebrations. Their boats were decorated in bright colours and coconuts in golden colour are offered as a mark of respect. This ritual is still followed in the

Koliwada

town.


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