Inchara Udupi

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Jun 24: Soon after water starts flowing in the ponds and streams after first showers in the monsoons, some enthusiastic youth, just after sunset, hold torch light, sticks and blades and go for fishing in these waters. It is difficult to say initially whether they are able to catch fish or not. However they surely get big size crabs.

Though most of the fish in wells and lakes come in the nets of fishermen in summer, the remaining fish gets under the sludge and wait for rain without food. Crabs dig up to ten feet deep burrows and remain safely in them. As it starts raining, they get up from the depth and come looking for food and reproduction. It is called 'Ubar'. The word was probably derived from Hindi. The fishing activity during this time is also called by’ Ubar’ name.

Such Crabs become victims of the beatings of men waiting with whips, blades and sacs. Men even walk for miles ignoring the rain and even pricking of glass pieces on the road.

The fish which escapes from the men eat the food available in the water and go to the depth of water. Though Ubar provides entertainment for enthusiastic youth, the fish becomes victims before it could reproduce.

It is certain that the fish will be extinct some day with the pesticide sprayed in fields and cultivation. If we do not think about it, the word 'Ubar' may also be forgotten.