Music is an integral part of Koli culture. Koli music, part of the intangible heritage, is passed down through generations, preserving their oral traditions.
Narali Purnima promotes communal bonding by bringing families and neighbours together to partake in the rituals and celebrations. The festival remains a vital part of the Koli identity, celebrating their way of life and ensuring the continuity of their traditions for future generations.
A Koli woman’s necklace features Radha dancing with Krishna (left) and Vithoba (a form of Lord Vishnu) with his consort Rakhumai (right). In Maharashtra, Vithoba is also known as Vitthala, Panduranga, Pandharinath, Hari, and Narayan. Rakhumai, also known as Rukmini, is an incarnation of the Goddess Lakshmi.
Koli women don their finest attire and accessories, such as the Nauvari saree, complemented with heavy sets of jewellery. Men wear the Koli fishermen’s red topi (cap), with a dhoti (wraparound for the lower body) and shirt.
Narali Purnima is celebrated by fishing communities living along the western coastline of India, particularly in Maharashtra and Gujarat. In Mumbai, the Koli community celebrates Narali Purnima in places like Versova Koliwada (pictured), among other fishing villages.
To mark the auspicious occasion of Narli Purnima, Koli homes are cleaned, painted, and decorated with toran (floral garlands) hung over the entrances. Some households also make colourful rangoli (decorative patterns) at the entrance.
Golden coconuts, covered in gold foil, are offered to Masan Devi for her blessings. Masan Devi is worshipped by the Koli community as the guardian deity of Versova Koliwada. The Masan Devi Temple is located in Versova.
The purna kalasha (pot of fertility) consists of a pot traditionally made of metal such as copper, brass, silver, or clay. It is filled with water, and five or more fresh mango leaves are placed around the neck. A whole coconut is placed on top, nestled among the mango leaves. The purna kalasha symbolizes fertility and is used in Hindu ceremonies to bless new beginnings.
The centrepiece of the procession is a carriage carrying the purna kalasha (pot of fertility). The carriages come in various designs, reflecting the creativity of the community. They can be carts (pictured), palkis (open litters), raths (chariots), or other forms of transport.