In pics: Mumbai’s fishing community celebrates Nariyal Purnima

They throw coconuts and garlands into the sea to express their gratitude towards Lord Varuna

Nariyal Purnima, the fishermen’s festival, marks the start of the new fishing season and the end of the fishes’ mating season, during which fishermen avoid venturing into the sea.

Nairyal Purnima celebrations began a day early in Worli Village on Sunday. (Kunal Patil/HT)

As part of their preparations for the festival, fishermen repair and paint their boats and nets. (Kunal Patil/HT)

The word ‘Nariyal’ is derived from ‘Naral’, which means ‘coconut’. ‘Purnima’ signifies the ‘full moon day’ .

Fishermen rest after a day spent checking their boats for leaks and plugging them. (Kunal Patil/HT )

Devotees worship Lord Varuna, the Sea God, on this day.

Men and women of the Koli fishing community offer prayers on Sunday. (Kunal Patil/HT Photo)

They throw coconuts and garlands into the sea to express their gratitude towards him and seek his blessings for a plentiful catch. The myth surrounding the practice is that in the Ramayana, Lord Varuna held aloft a bridge that helped Lord Rama move towards Lanka.

Brightly coloured boats dotted Worli Village as fishermen covered them with fresh coats of paint. (Kunal Patil/HT )

Boats bearing lighted lamps also go out into the sea.