INTACH’s ‘A Morning by the River’ highlights Gurupura’s lost river traditions

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, September 29, 2026: The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised a special boat-based programme, ‘A Morning by the River’, on the Gurupura River on Sunday, September 27, to mark World Rivers Day.

The one-and-a-half-hour programme began at the Sultan Bathery ferry point and brought together nature lovers, artists and citizens to explore the ecological, historical and cultural significance of the Gurupura River.

The programme also highlighted the gradual loss of traditional knowledge associated with the river, including the seasonal formation of temporary islands that once supported traditional fishing communities.

Introducing the programme, INTACH Mangaluru Chapter Convener Subhas Chandra Basu said rivers had played an important role in the region’s heritage and development.

He noted that the Gurupura River had been crucial to the development of Mangaluru, with ports and forts built along its banks and water transport serving as an important means of moving people and goods. He expressed concern over the river’s deteriorating condition and the impact of urban development and waste.

Social activist and environmentalist Yatish Baikampady recalled how the river was once an important mode of transport, with people from the Western Ghats travelling downstream by boat to reach coastal towns.

He also spoke about the seasonal formation of temporary islands, locally known as ‘Palke’, during the monsoon. According to him, natural debris carried by the river would accumulate at certain locations to form these islands.

“These temporary islands were a boon to traditional fishermen. Fish would breed around them, providing an important source of livelihood during the monsoon when fishermen could not venture into the sea,” Baikampady said.

He added that dams and other interventions had contributed to the disappearance of this phenomenon and that younger generations were largely unaware of the traditional knowledge associated with it.

Chartered accountant Giridhar Kamath recalled a time when the river was closely integrated into everyday life, with children swimming and bathing in its waters. He said the region had historically been blessed with abundant water and that rivers had also served as natural barriers against forces approaching from the sea.

He observed that while people in the past had learned to live with floods, many of the floods experienced today were linked to human interventions.

Participants later shared personal memories of the river, recalling boat journeys, swimming lessons and childhood experiences along its banks. They also discussed the changes witnessed over the years and the need to protect the river and its ecosystem.

The boat journey provided an opportunity for participants to observe the river and its surroundings while reflecting on the communities, landscapes and traditions connected to it.

The programme emphasised the need to preserve not only the physical river but also the traditional knowledge, memories and ways of life that have evolved around the Gurupura River.

Yatish Baikampady, Giridhar Kamath and artist Kishore were felicitated during the programme.