Outdoor and adventure is not just what a fisherman’s life is all about. Cresting the waves at the break of dawn, men in Kasaragod brave the elements at sea.
Rows of traditional fishing boats line up the Kasaragod coast waiting for fishermen groups to set out to work to earn their livelihood.
Kasaragod, located in the northernmost part of Kerala, is home to thriving fishing communities, who have been sustaining themselves and their families for generations through the sea’s bounties. In this blog, we will explore the lives of the fishermen in Kasaragod and how they continue to be an integral part of the district’s economy and culture.
Fishing, a traditional occupation:
Fishing in Kasaragod dates back to centuries and is a traditional occupation that has been passed down through generations. The fishermen here still use traditional methods of fishing like nets and lines, and their catch is largely dependent on the monsoon seasons. They usually set out to sea early in the morning and return in the afternoon with their catch. Duration of each fishing trip depends on the catch. The catch is then sorted and sold in the local markets or transported to other parts of the state. If the catch is not decent enough the fishermen further their trip into the more dangerous part of the sea and this trip sometimes may take longer than a day. Follow our Instagram page for more updates.
From Local Demand to Global Export:
The fishing industry in Kasaragod is a significant contributor to the district’s economy. The district has several fishing harbors and landing centers, including the famous Bekal Fishing Harbor. The harbor is the largest in the district and is home to several fishing boats and trawlers. The fishermen here not only cater to the local demand but also export their catch to other parts of the country and abroad.
Celebrating the Rich Culture and Traditions of Fishing Community in Kasaragod:
Apart from the economic aspect, fishing in Kasaragod is also deeply ingrained in the district’s culture. Fishing is a way of life for the people here, and it has shaped their traditions, customs, and beliefs. The annual ‘Karindalam’ festival is a testament to this. The festival is celebrated by the fishing community to thank the sea for its bounty and seek blessings for a good catch. During the festival, the fishermen decorate their boats and set out to sea with great pomp and fervor.
Their Challenges and Resilience:
However, the life of a fisherman is not without its challenges. The unpredictable nature of the sea, the changing weather patterns, and the depletion of fish stocks due to overfishing and pollution are some of the challenges that the fishermen face. Additionally, the fishermen have to deal with middlemen who often exploit them by offering low prices for their catch.
Despite these challenges, the fishing community in Kasaragod remains resilient and continues to sustain itself through the sea. The government has also taken several initiatives to support the fishing industry by providing financial aid, modernizing the fishing harbors, and introducing sustainable fishing practices.
The fishermen in Kasaragod are an integral part of the district’s culture and economy. Their traditional way of life and their love for the sea have sustained them through generations. While there are challenges, the fishermen’s resilience and the government’s support ensure that the fishing industry will continue to thrive in Kasaragod for generations to come. To read more about the experiences around Poothali, click here.