Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Aug 9: With the end of the annual two-month monsoon fishing ban, fishing activity along Karnataka’s coast has resumed, and thousands of fisherfolk are heading back into the sea. Marking the auspicious beginning of the season, traditional rituals were held on Saturday August 9 to seek blessings from the Sea God, a revered guardian of the coastal communities.

At the heart of the ceremony was a symbolic act of devotion: milk was poured into the sea, and offerings of flowers, fruits, and betel leaves were made to honour the ‘Samudra Raja’ (Sea King) and pray for a safe, fruitful fishing season. “The sea is our lifeline. We seek its blessing so that no harm comes to our people,” said one local fisherman at the ceremony.

Back to the deep: Boats ready after seasonal ban

After 60 days of rest during the government-imposed ban aimed at marine conservation, the fishing fleets — including thousands of deep-sea purse seine boats — are returning to full-scale operations. The reopening signals a critical time for coastal communities, where fishing remains the backbone of the local economy.

For these brave “children of the sea”, heading into deep waters is not without risk. Once they set sail, many boats remain at sea for up to 15 days, navigating unpredictable waters far from shore.

Fishing is often seen as a game of luck and nature, and the start of the season is met with both excitement and spiritual reverence.

Sea rituals held at Vadabandeshwara Temple

The primary ritual took place at the Vadabandeshwara Balarama shrine in Malpe, where hundreds of fishermen gathered to perform special prayers to Lord Balarama and local sea deity Bobbarya, both regarded as divine protectors of the waters.

Carrying holy offerings (prasada), the fishermen formed a procession that moved towards the sea. Upon reaching the shoreline, they poured milk into the waves, a long-standing tradition to symbolically cleanse and honour the sea, and offered coconuts, fruits, and siyaal (betel leaves) as part of the puja.“Offering milk to the sea is a centuries-old ritual believed to invoke the blessings of the Sea King and protect our people from mishaps,” said a temple priest.

Prayers for a safe and successful season

Along with blessings for a good catch, the fishermen prayed for protection against the many dangers of deep-sea fishing — including rough weather, equipment failures, and potential accidents. “There are countless risks when we go out to sea. These rituals give us strength and reassurance,” said a seasoned boat captain.

Following the ceremony, the fisherfolk set off into the Arabian Sea — some for days, others for weeks — embarking on a season of hard work, risk, and hope.