The Goddess is taken to bless the boats used by the Koli fishermen. The presence of the Goddess on the boat ensures the safety of the fishermen at sea and a bountiful catch for the rest of the year.
Devotees are splashed with sea water, and the boats return to the harbour, from where the idols are ceremoniously carried back to their respective homes. The families store the facemask safely until next year’s festival.
The procession reaches Versova Beach with much fanfare, dancing, and celebrations. The boats used by the Koli fishermen are assembled at the dock, from where they depart for sea carrying the idol of the Goddess and devotees for the visarjan (immersion) ceremony.
The fishing boats are specially painted and decorated on the occasion of Narali Purnima, which takes place a few weeks before Jyestha Gauri Puja. The boats are decked with floral garlands and colourful flags as the new fishing season commence at the end of the monsoon season.
Goddess Gauri is regarded as an incarnation of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort and mother of Lord Ganesha. She is honoured as the Goddess of fertility, marital bliss, and prosperity. For the Koli community, Gauri is the protector of their homes and livelihoods, blessing them with bountiful catches and harmonious lives.
Bearers take turns carrying the idol of the Goddess as it passes through Versova Koliwada, stopping at households where aarti (waving the sacred fire in front of the deity) is performed.
The boats head for the sea, where a symbolic immersion ceremony is held. The facemask is removed and dipped in the sea three times, while the coconuts are offered to the sea along with flowers and other items used in the puja (prayers of devotional homage) ceremony.
On the third day, the Gauri idol is taken in a grand procession for visarjan (immersion). This ritual symbolizes the return of the Goddess to her divine abode and is accompanied by singing, dancing, and the chanting of mantras (a word or sound that is believed to have a special spiritual power).
Koli boys gather for a group photo with the idol of the Goddess before it is taken for visarjan (immersion). The festival not only brings people together in a spirit of unity and joy but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage amidst the changing urban landscape of Mumbai.
The idol is installed at an auspicious time, with priests performing the necessary rituals to invoke the presence of the Goddess. After installation, the Goddess is welcomed by aarti (waving the sacred fire in front of the deity).