Every year, Narali Purnima is celebrated during this time of the year. This year, it will be celebrated on August 19, coinciding with . Nariyal Purnima as it is more popularly called, apart from Coconut Day, is a festival celebrated by the Kolis, the fisherfolk community in Mumbai.
It is also celebrated by those along the Konkan region including Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. ADVERTISEMENT Here are some interesting facts about the community: The festival is celebrated on full moon day to mark the end of the monsoon season and the start of the fishing season. Interestingly, the festival coincides with , celebrated by followers of Hinduism and popularly by other Indians across communities.
It signifies the bond between a sister and brother, and a promise by the latter to protect his sister till the end of time. 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.
The coconut is considered a symbol of prosperity and is offered to appease the sea gods for a safe and bountiful fishing season. The fisherfolk community of Mumbai first decorates their boats with flowers to get ready for their first sail after the monsoon. They set sail the day after Narali Purnima in search of abundance of fish, as they depend on it for their livelihood.
They also come together to sing, dance and celebrate with good food The food for Narali Purnima includes a sign.