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.
The organizing committees each have their own music band. These bands, playing saxophones, trumpets, drums, cymbals, and various other musical instruments, accompany the procession as it makes its way through Versova Koliwada.
Flowers and floral garlands are used to decorate the carriages carrying coconuts and are featured in various puja rituals. Flowers, along with coconuts, are also offered to the sea.
The festival is held at St. Anthony’s Church grounds in Versova village. It comes to life at night when the crowd swells and business peaks. In addition to food stalls, crowds enjoy live music, cultural performances, and other entertainment activities and programmes that last until midnight.
Cleaning seafood thoroughly before cooking is essential for food safety, hygiene, and quality control. Washing seafood separately from other ingredients and utensils reduces the risk of spreading harmful bacteria or pathogens to other foods and minimizes the likelihood of foodborne illness.
Traditional homemade recipes take centre stage at the Versova Koli Seafood Festival, offering a taste of authenticity rarely found in restaurant food. Visitors to the festival learn about the art of Koli cooking by attending live cooking demonstrations and culinary workshops conducted by expert chefs and Koli women.