Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SM)

Udupi, Aug 21: The fishermen of Malpe conducted a Samudra Puja (Mass Sea Worship) here on Tuesday August 21 wherein the prayers began at 8:15 am and concluded at around 9:30 am.

The puja rituals were performed by offering milk, tender coconut, fruits, turmeric and kumkum to the sea.

Traditionally the Samudra Puja is offered to the ocean every year on the occasion of 'Nariyar Poornima" in the states such as, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa. The puja is offered by fishermen to mark the beginning of the fishing season.
 
The puja was done at Vadamandeswara Temple followed by rituals that were conducted at Malpe seashore.

After performing the puja rituals Pramodh Madhwaraj (MLA) said, “Let the ocean god bless everyone with peace and abundance and prayed for a safe livelihood away from erosion and calamities in the coming days.”

Hiriyanna T Kediyoor, president of Malpe fishermen’s association stated, “The offering by the fishermen defines their dependence on the sea.”

The fishermen prayed for a safe fishing during the begging of this new season.

Ragupathy Bhat former MLA, Yashpal Suvarna, BB Suvarna and people belonging to various fisheries organization were present on this auspicious occasion.