Coastal Karnataka, particularly Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, is known for following unique traditions and practices, including Daivaradhane and Bhootada Kola (worshipping of spirits).
Chelairu-Khandige, about 20 km from Mangaluru on the banks of the Nandini, is known for one such unique practice where once a year people indulge in mass fishing activity in the river.
This activity takes place on a particular day (Vrishabha Sankramana — the Solar ingress into the Zodiacal sign of Taurus) during the annual fair of the local Dharmarasu Sri Ullaya Temple, which is called Khandevuda Ayano.
That day happened to be Wednesday this year where more than 500 people participated in the mass fishing activity since 7 a.m. The temple archak had put the prasadam of the temple in the backwaters of the Nandini’s Vented Dam at Pavanje a month ago on Mesha Sankramana, April 14. From then, none indulged in fishing activity till the annual fair, May 15, thereby facilitating good availability of fish in the river.
Enthusiasm
Enthusiastic people cutting across caste and religion entered the river well before 7 a.m. with nets and other equipment to catch fish and were waiting for the bursting of the Kadoni (a locally manufactured cracker). Temple authorities burst the cracker at 7 a.m. soon after offering Agelu (food offering) to the Dharmarasu and then, the backwater of the vented dam was abuzz with activities.
A variety of fish with handsome weight were caught by people, many of whom took them home as prasadam, while others sold them in the makeshift market adjacent to the river.
Uday Kumar Khandige, office-bearer of Nandini Friends, a local youth organisation, said that the festival was unique by its nature and has been celebrated for many years now. Volunteers from Nandni Friends oversaw arrangements in the location, including parking facility and guiding the participants.
Pollution
The mass fishing is said to have centuries-old history and a large number of people used to participate in the event. However, the numbers were relatively few on Wednesday compared to previous years. It is said that people were hesitant in venturing into the river doubting the water quality as untreated sewage was flowing into the river.