Mazagaon Koliwada, one of Mumbai’s oldest Koli settlements, existed as a fishing village since long before Europeans arrived. While the original fishing village no longer exists, descendants of the Koli fishermen still reside in the same neighborhood.
Individual families bring coconuts to Versova Beach by placing them in a kalash (pot) and carrying the pot on their heads. Though Narali Purnima is primarily a festival observed by sea-faring fishing communities, other communities also offer coconuts to the sea on this auspicious occasion.
The coconut, symbolizing life and fertility, is tossed into the sea as an offering to the Sea God Varuna, whom the Kolis call Darya Raja (king of rivers).
During the monsoon season, a government-imposed fishing ban lasts for two months. Fishing restarts on Narali Purnima, with the offering of coconuts to mark the auspicious beginning of the new fishing season.
Narali Purnima is celebrated on the purnima (full moon day) of Sravana (the fifth month of the Hindu calendar), which begins in mid-to-late July and ends in late August according to the Gregorian calendar.
The rituals of Narali Purnima take place on the beach, where women take turns performing aarti (offering the sacred fire) of the coconuts and stick incense sticks in the sand as part of the puja rituals.
Narali Purnima marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the new fishing season, which is of significant importance for Kolis and other fishing communities dependent on the sea for their livelihood.
Unlike the traditional six-yard saree, the Nauvari saree is nine yards long, offering enough fabric for the unique draping style. This distinct draping style is ideal for outdoor work and fishing occupations, allowing Koli women to work comfortably.
Sweets and Koli delicacies like narali karanji (half-moon-shaped fried pastry made from grated coconut and jaggery mixed with dry fruits) and nariyal ladoo (sweet balls made from grated coconut mixed with jaggery and dry fruits) are offered as naivedya (sacred food offerings made to deities or nature). The items are typically prepared from coconut. Some naivedya items are also offered to the sea.