Udupi: A large number of fishermen and fisherwomen offered prayers to the sea God (Samudra Puja) at Vadabandeshwar Beach, Malpe here on August 29.
The community offered special prayers in the Balarama Temple at Vadabandeshwar and later, held a procession from the temple to the beach. The procession passed via Malpe police station, Nagabana and culminated at the seashore. After reaching the beach, prayers were offered along with bhajans.
Udupi district minister in-charge Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLA Pramod Madhwaraj, former MLA Raghupathi Bhat, president of DK Udupi district fish seller’s federation Yashpal Suvarna also took part in the rituals.
This was followed by a Samudra Puja wherein milk, fruits, vegetables, tender coconuts, dry coconuts and flowers were offered. Vinay Kumar Sorake wished the fishermen a good catch this season.
Speaking to Mangalorean.com, leader of the fishermen Hiriyanna Kidiyoor said that this day is considered very auspicious as a large number of people offer prayers to safeguard and protect their family members from all evils when they go to sea for fishing for days and weeks together.
