Thousands of villagers gathered on Saturday morning to participate in the annual fishing harvest festival at Kallandhiri village in the Madurai district. The event, which marks the onset of the summer season, brought together residents from five surrounding villages in Melur.
Centered Around Temple and Water Tank
The festival is centered around the village temple located on the banks of the Periyanagini kanmai, a water tank that is recharged by the Periyar channel. A week before the event, farmers release young fish into the kanmai to ensure a bountiful catch during the celebration. Posters and announcements are made in all participating villages to invite everyone to join the festivities.
Traditional Fishing and Offerings
As part of the tradition, villagers plunge into the water with minimal fishing gear, using only nets or baskets to catch the fish. Women, clad in sarees, wade deep into the water alongside men to participate in the catch. The fish caught during the festival are then cooked and offered to the village deity. This ritual is believed to ensure a better yield during the harvest season and good health for the rest of the year.
The festival not only strengthens community bonds but also preserves age-old customs that have been passed down through generations. The event attracts participants and onlookers from nearby areas, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the celebration.
