Versova is a quaint fishing village that is tucked away on Mumbai’s western shore. It is home to a thriving community that has been subsistence fishing for generations. Versova has managed to hold onto its close-knit seaside village traditions and rhythms, even in spite of the city’s fast expansion surrounding it. The modest but proud Koli population, who have lived for ages as fishermen along these coasts, is located in the center of the hamlet. Everything from the fresh seafood that is brought in every day to the folk music and dance exhibits their distinct culture.
This article examines the rich cultural legacy of the Koli people of Versova, their reliance on the sea for daily sustenance and how you can reach there by car rental Mumbai with a driver.
History And Traditions
Since the beginning of time, the Koli community has lived in Versova, surviving generation after generation by fishing in the Arabian Sea. Their existence in the village dates back to the sixteenth century, according to historical documents. They have always lived by the sea; most families carry on the customs that their ancestors left behind. Even now, boats leave early in the morning and return in the evening with the day’s catch.
Folk music, known as “Koli Geet”, which depicts life and the natural world, is one of the distinctive cultural customs that are still widely practiced. During festivals and celebrations, vibrant dance forms like “Dhap” and “Padu Varishth” are performed. Their food is just as vibrant, with mainstays like coconut rice and fish curry. Communal feasts and religious prayers mark celebrations of annual festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Koli Tijori. Additionally, the Koli language—a mashup of Hindi and Marathi—preserves their identity for future generations. You can visit this cultural community with airport cabs in Mumbai.
Current Lifestyles
For most Koli families, fishing is still their main source of income. Boats brave the waves and tides as they set out into the sea before sunrise to start their day. Different types of fish are caught using different equipment; nets are used to catch surmai and pomfret, and conventional traps are used to catch crab. The fresh fish is painstakingly sorted and packed on ice once it is back on shore by the evening to be sold at the neighborhood market.
The settlement along the sea is still a close-knit community. Elders mentor the younger generation in multigenerational households, and communal relationships are forged via shared joys and tragedies. Youngsters continue to grow up knowing the cycles of the natural world and the ocean. The Koli people’s identity is still deeply anchored in their tradition and the ocean, even though some of them now supplement their incomes with daily wage labor or small businesses. Even with today’s conveniences, their daily lives are still characterized by the small pleasures in life, such as sharing meals and watching the sunrise.
Experience India’s Rich Cultural Heritage With Savaari
This intimate depiction of Versova’s Koli community offers insight into Mumbai’s rich cultural heritage. Savaari is devoted to developing community-based and responsible tourism by providing car rental in Mumbai with a driver. Your reservations and journeys with us help local communities across India. So, why not discover the true India through its people? Book your next trip with Savaari, whether it’s an intercity ride or an airport cab in Mumbai.