Fishermen pray for safe passage into the sea

Panaji: Considered to be auspicious by the fishing community in Goa, Narali Purnima was celebrated on Wednesday at the state department of fisheries.
Sharing his thoughts about the festival, fisheries minister Avertano Furtado said, "Most fishermen are yet to venture into the seas. This puja is a prayer for their safety. I hope that they abide by all the safety measures while fishing and take care whenever weather warnings are issued."
The festival is celebrated on a full moon night in the Hindu month of Shravan, referred to as Purnima.‘Naral' refers to the coconut that is offered to the sea.
"Though the 61-day fishing ban may have been lifted at the start of the month, as per tradition, Goa's fishing community considers it auspicious to start fishing activities full swing only after this festival," said a fisheries department official.
On the day of Narali Purnima a coconut is released into the sea. It is also said that the coconut is offered to appease the sea god for a safe passage into deeper waters.
The puja was held at the Panaji jetty, followed by a procession leading to the banks of River Mandovi for the release of the coconut into the waters.
"We hope that this year there is a good catch and the season proves to be a safe one for the fishing community." said fisheries director Shamila Monteiro.