Journalism of Courage
This photo feature portrays a day in the life of the Koli community at Mhad, Mumbai during the summer months which may cease to exist with improved technology and urban pressure. (IE Photo: Amit Chakravarty)
The Koli community is an ethnic group found throughout India. However, they have been synonymous to Maharashtra since ages. (IE Photo: Amit Chakravarty)
Kolis are fishermen quite distinct in terms of their festivals, songs, food, clothing and their general disposition. (IE Photo: Amit Chakravarty)
The community earns it livelihood by catching fish and selling them. Their other chores also include weaving and repairing their own nets and sun drying the fish. The latter is a seasonal task as it can be accomplished only in May-June of every summer. (IE Photo: Amit Chakravarty)
Kolis use the traditional method of sun drying fish on rocks and racks as it is economical and they have the space on the beach for this purpose. (IE Photo: Amit Chakravarty)
Drying fish involves removal of water content from the body. This is done by exposing the fish directly under the son. The material can be either spread over the rocks or it can be hung on racks as well. The sun evaporates the water from the body and the natural air carries the evaporated water away. (IE Photo: Amit Chakravarty)
This activity of drying fish happens every summer where places like Mhad is filled with the smell of drying fish and life revolves around this activity. (IE Photo: Amit Chakravarty)
