Fishing boats are cleaned, painted, and decorated with flowers, bright flags, and coconut leaves. A puja (prayer ritual) is performed on the boats to invoke divine blessings for a safe and prosperous fishing season.
During Narali Purnima, Koli women wear ornate versions of the Nauvari saree, often made of silk with motifs such as paisleys, peacocks, and other floral designs. Richly decorated borders and pallus (the end part of the saree) add to the elegance and aesthetic appeal of the Nauvari saree.
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.