Coconuts are worshipped in a shrine at the Koli household before commencing auspicious ceremonies. The coconut holds significant cultural and religious importance in the Koli community and is used on all auspicious occasions. Its three eyes symbolize the Trimurti - the Hindu trinity of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).
Before the haldi (turmeric) ceremony, members of the family, clan and community seek blessings from the bride and the groom by touching their feet. Similarly, the bride and the groom also seek blessing from elders in the family, clan and community by touching their feet.
The women of the house perform puja ceremonies dedicated to the grihadevata (tutelary deity) Garli Devi and Karjai Devi. Garli Devi, or Garli Mata, is considered a protector of fishermen and their families, ensuring their safety and prosperity. Karjai Devi, or Karjai Mata, is venerated as the guardian of fishermen, safeguarding them at sea and providing protection from natural calamities and dangers.
On the day before the wedding, a special ceremony is conducted to prepare a mixture of wheat and urad dal (split black gram lentil). This mixture is ritually offered at the shrine of the grihadevata (household deity). Subsequently, the rice is distributed among the wedding guests who attend the ceremony to bless the bride and groom.
The women in the household grind a mixture of wheat and urad dal (split black gram lentil) to make flour. This flour is then kneaded into dough, shaped into doughnut-like rings, and deep-fried to make medu vada, a traditional breakfast dish served at Koli weddings.
Sakharpuda is followed by kelvan, another pre-wedding ritual where both families invite the bride and groom for a meal at their respective homes. This occasion also includes offering puja to their kuladevata (ancestral tutelary deity) to seek blessings.
Lagnaach bedior (matchmaking) is entrusted to a family priest who matches the janampatrikas (horoscopes) of the bride and groom. On the advice of the priest, the families fix the muhurta (auspicious time and date) for the wedding.
Halad chadavane, also known as the haldi (turmeric) ceremony, is held at the homes of both the bride and the groom. The bride and the groom wear white attire that becomes dyed yellow during the ceremony. Typically, this event takes place either on the morning of the wedding day or the day before.
The procession makes its way through the lanes of Versova Koliwada, accompanied by revelry and dancing on the streets. Though organized by the Kolis, people from all communities join the festivities.