Mumbai's Koli community is celebrating Narali Purnima today, and it coincides with Raksha Bandhan too. Photos: Mid-day file pics
Significance
Nariyal Purnima is celebrated on full moon day to mark the end of the monsoon season and the start of the fishing season for the Koli community. It coincides with Raksha Bandhan
Religious rituals
For this festival, the Koli community worships Lord Varuna, the God of sky and water, by offering a coconut to the sea. This ritual is a way to ask for calm waters and protection from natural water calamities.
Evolution of the festival
Earlier, the community would worship a real gold coconut as part of the rituals. However, due to inflation, they now decorate the coconut with gold colour instead.
Celebration
The community first decorates their boats with flowers and colourful crepe paper to get ready for their first sail after the monsoon. They set sail the day after Narali Purnima but not before coming together to sing, dance and celebrate with good food.
Food
The food for Narali Purnima includes a signature dish called karanji, a sweet dish that is the highlight of the festival, which makes the whole family come together to make it the day before the festival. They also enjoy Narali bhaat (Coconut Rice) and Naralchai vadi (sweet dish). Since their livelihood and cuisine depends on seafood, they also enjoy different kinds of seafood dishes with friends and family on the day.
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