Report by Michael Rodrigues
Team Mangalorean Udupi

Udupi:  Samuhika Samudra Puja was celebrated by Malpe Mogaveera Community under the guidance of Mogaveer leader Hiriyanna Kidiyoor of Malpe vadabhandeshwar Temple on the shores of Malpe beach on Thursday August 2.

Speaking on the occasion Hiriyanna has briefed the significance of Samudra Puja  where people of Mogaveera Community observe this day as sacred day and worship the sea in a traditional manner. It is believed that if a fisherman offers fresh milk, coconut to the sea, he will be free of facing any problems in the sea. 
 

During the Samudra Pooja, the fishermen in their prayers appeal to the Sea God to help the families of fishermen by protecting their bread earners when they go out on fishing expeditions. They also pray for the welfare of all fisher folk in the country and pray with God for keeping the health of the sea and its creatures. The milk offered on this occasion signifies symbolically the addition of nutrition to the creatures of the sea, the coconut signifies the purity, sweet dishes the human commitment to protect the sea and the flowers signifies reverence towards the Sea God.
 
The pooja is usually held during the two initial weeks of Sankramana. During this period the Gods will open the heavens and all the good things will happen on earth, the progeny of fish will survive in the sea, the plants will become trees and the saplings that are planted by the farmers will become paddy stalks and give food to the teeming millions. In the same way people will also become more mature, fit to protect the creation of God and regenerate it.
 
Mogaveera Leader Pramod Madhvaraj, Fish Federation President Yaspaal Suvarna, Janaradhan Tingalaya and others were present on the occasion.
 
Mean while Samuhika Samudra Puja was celebrated in Kundapura Taluk.