Fishermen perform pooja for safety

Fishermen perform pooja for safety

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, June 25, 2014:  The country boat (NADA DONI)fishermen lanunch out for traditional fishing when mechanised boating is banned for 57 days. The country boat fishermen ventured into the sea after offering Pooja as per the tradition at Malpe harbour in Udupi on June 23.

The fishermen folk who venture into sea to take up family occupation during monsoon, offer prayers to sea for good fish catch and safety. Initially they perform pooja at Kulamasthiamma temple in Barkur and later offer prayers at Balarama temple at Vadabandeshwara in Malpe. The Prasadam of ‘Hoovina Pooja’ they performed in both the temples is immersed in to the sea and prayers are offered. As the sea will be rough during rainy season, the country craft fishermen risk their life for a livelihood.  They offer prayers before venturing into sea and seek blessings form Sea God for the safety return of the fishermen and also for good fish catch, through which they can sustain their living.

The rituals were held under the leadership of Malpe Country Boat Association President Janardhan Tingalaya.There are nearly 50-60 country boats in Udupi that go for fishing during monsoon.