Samudra Pooje held: an annual ritual practiced from years to please the Sea Godess

Samudra Pooje held: an annual ritual practiced from years to please the Sea Godess

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 3, 2012 : A custom that is followed from time immemorial after three months of rest in fishing- i.e Rugupakarma before resuming Fishing activities held on the beaches of Tannirbavi on August 2nd. People from fishermen community namely Mogaveera sabhas from Bolur, Bokkapatna, Bolar, Kudroli, Hoige Bazaar, Jeppu, Neereshvalya and Paduhoige Bengre along with the main sponsorer  the Mangalore Yelu Patna Mogaveera Mahasabha,(MYPMM) organized a mass “samurda puja”or Sea worship by offering Milk , coconout,fruits ,vegetables,flowers and other coomodities.

 

 

The event began with a “Shobayatra” from Bokkapatna Jai Hind Yuvaka Mandala at 11 a.m. The yatra passed through Bokkapatna and Bolur and reached Sultan Bathery. Later, crossed the Gurupura river to reach Tannirbavi. Rituals related to “samudra puja” were performed in the presence of Sri Raja Sandhyanathaji from Kadali Math in Kadri. According to Mahasabha member Ratnakar Putran fishermen offered puja to the sea for better and safe fishing season. “We get our Livelihood by venturing out into the Sea. It is our only source of income for our families. Sometimes our fishing even lasts upto days or weeks together. Just like offering prayers before any auspicious start we believe this pooja too can ward off any calamities and provide us safe return after a day’s good catch” a fisherman was quoted as saying. Balarama, the presiding deity of Vadabandeshwara Temple, Malpe too was offered prayers before the auspicious occasion. Community leaders Rama Kanchan, Pramod Madhwaraj, Yashpal Suvarna, Keshava Kotian and others participated in the pooja.