The fishing season in Mumbai is primarily from August to May, with a significant break during the monsoon months of June and July for both safety and sustainability reasons. The Koli fishermen and other fishing communities adhere to these seasonal cycles and regulations to ensure the continued health and productivity of their fishing grounds.
Larger fishing vessels (seen in the backdrop) often use industrial methods to catch fish. The boats, called trawlers, drag large nets known as trawls behind them. There are bottom trawls for fish near the seabed and midwater trawls for fish in the middle of the water column. Trawlers capture large quantities of fish, including shrimp, mackerel, and anchovies.
The ebb and flow of tides, along with the changing seasons when certain types of fish are available, dictate the catch. Most fishermen use vertical nets, called gill nets, that trap fish by their gills. After laying the nets, the boats wait for four to five hours before hauling them back on board.
The chakki (grinding stone) is used in various ceremonies to represent strength, stability, and the enduring nature of marriage. During the wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom may place their feet or stand on the grinding stone, symbolizing their firm commitment to the vows they are making.
After the conclusion of the haldi (turmeric) ceremony, the bride and groom are washed with water. Earlier in the day, women in the family collect water from a well in several pots. Before using it for this purpose, the water is consecrated through prayers and rituals.
The mama (maternal uncle) of the bride brings a mango tree cutting and ties it to the entrance. Mango leaves are regarded as symbols of purity, fertility and abundance. The presence of the mango tree is believed to bring blessings for a fruitful and prosperous married life for the newlyweds.
The mama (maternal uncle) in the family holds an important role in wedding rituals. He is entrusted with the well-being of both the bride and the groom. He may actively participate in various wedding rituals and ceremonies, offering assistance and guidance to ensure smooth proceedings and adherence.
In Hindu weddings, it is customary to decorate the entrance of the marriage hall and the houses of the bridegroom and bride with two banana trees. According to tradition, the banana tree symbolizes that the married life of the couple will be evergreen, signifying enduring relationships and love between them.
Surrounded by female family members, the groom undergoes a shaving ceremony. Beyond its grooming purpose, this ritual harkens back to a time when marriages involved much younger couples. In earlier days, marriages often occurred at the onset of puberty, and a boy’s first shave marked his transition from boyhood to manhood.