The Kolis fish throughout the year, taking a break only for two months in the monsoon when all fishing activities are halted due to rough seas. The high fishing season starts in August and lasts until October, after which the catch volume declines. By January, it is the low season.
Fish drying is a common sight in Koliwadas. A significant part of the daily catch is processed as dry fish. The fish are cleaned and gutted before being hung on bamboo poles, strung on lines, or spread on flat ground, where they are left to dry in the sun for two or three days.
Rajesh Pardesi goes fishing in the morning and repairs nets in the afternoon. Every day, he repairs roughly two to three nets. As seen here, he stretches the net with his toe to make the net taut, which helps him weave the twine.
Historical records suggest that the Kolis have inhabited the Mumbai coastline for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Living in hamlets scattered along the coastline, they earn their living primarily through fishing, trading, and other maritime activities, although some Kolis also engage in farming.
A Koli man is wearing a T-shirt with the image of Ekvira Devi. The Koli community holds Ekvira Devi in high regard and seeks her blessings for protection, prosperity, and fulfilment of wishes. A temple dedicated to Ekvira Devi is situated in Karla, near Lonavala. This temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Kolis, especially during the festival of Navratri, during which thousands of worshippers flock there to seek her blessings.
Given the availability of fish-rich waters, a pleasant climate, and the economic opportunities that come with living by the coast, it is likely that the Kolis migrated to the Mumbai coastline gradually over many generations. Though they face considerable challenges in earning their livelihood, the Kolis have persevered with their traditional way of life on the sea.
Our Lady of the Rosary church features Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of Sorrows or the Via Crucis. These are a series of scenes depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion. The Stations of the Cross are associated with the Christian themes of repentance and mortification of the flesh.
In Chinese temples, the worship of Confucius involves a blend of ritual offerings, reverential acts, and educational activities. These practices are designed to honour Confucius as a sage and cultural icon, emphasizing his enduring influence on Chinese society and culture.
The panel above the altar at Our Lady of the Rosary church features a copy of Leonardo da Vinci's ‘The Last Supper’ mural, which was created between 1495 and 1498 and is housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. The painting depicts the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus with the Twelve Apostles, as recounted in the Gospel of John.
The old Our Lady of the Rosary church was relatively smaller and could not accommodate the growing number of parishioners. Consequently, a new church was constructed over the course of two years, from 1924 to 1925, with numerous modifications made to the structure. The dimensions and height of the church were expanded to accommodate larger congregations. On February 14, 1926, the Bishop of Mysore consecrated the new church.