Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jun 18: On Friday June 17, the fishermen offered pula to the deity ruling the sea at Malpe seashore near here, to signal the beginning of the new season of traditional fishing.
Mechanized fishing in the state has been banned in the state’s coast from June 15 to August 10. Customarily, the fishermen conduct traditional fishing during the rainy season, and offer puja to sea at the beginning of the season.
Traditionally, Ganahoma is organized at Kula Mastiamma shrine at first. The Prasadam from there is then brought to the temple of Vadabhandeshwara Balarama in Malpe. After puja is offered at the temple, Prasadam is offered to the sea before worshipping the sea.
Hundreds of fishermen and their leaders had gathered at the spot to pay obeisance to the sea. Approximately, about 45 country boats and 2,500 traditional fishermen are located in Malpe region.