Panaji: Narali Poornima was observed on Mandovi river on Thursday with the traditional offering of a coconut to the sea, marking the cultural beginning of the fishing season in Goa.Fisheries minister Nilkanth Halarnkar said, “While the fishing season practically begins from Aug 1, the community traditionally considers fishing to have begun in full swing only after Narali Poornima is observed and the sea deities are appeased.”Narali Poornima is a coastal festival where people offer coconuts to the sea to pray for safety and a good fishing season. It falls on the full moon day of Shravan, marking the end of the dangerous monsoon rain and the safe restart of fishing and sea trade.Halarnkar offered a coconut to the sea on the occasion organised by the department of fisheries at the Captain of Ports jetty. Secretary, fisheries, Prasanna Acharya, director of fisheries Shamila Monteiro were also present.Minister for transport Mauvin Godinho said, “May this auspicious day bring prosperity, peace and abundance, and may the timeless traditions of our coastal heritage continue to be cherished and passed on through generations.”
