Fisher folk celebrate Tulsi vivah at St George Island

VASCO, NOV 19
The fishing community from Vasco, Bogmalo, Calangute and other areas gathered on the controversial St George Island off Baina coast to celebrate the annual Tulsi vivah festival and to offer prayers at the holy cross.
People turned up in huge numbers amid fears of losing their traditional place of worship to the Navy.
The island has been in controversy in recent times following its acquisition by the Indian Navy sighting security reasons.
The fishing community fears that the Navy could well block their access to the islands in a similar way that it blocked entry to the Anjediva Island off Karwar.
The traditional Tulsi Vivah and prayers at the Cross commenced on Thursday morning as the fishing community along with family members and other devotees visited the islands off Baina coast in their decorative canoes and offered their prayers.
People were later seen at a small stretch of beach on the island, presently occupied by the Indian Navy, while many also visited the lighthouse atop the island.
“The present Tulsi, which was earlier close to the shore, was once damaged due to rough weather and was shifted to a safe place around 30 years ago,” recalled a fisherman, Devida Girap.
“We have strong faith that with the annual celebration of Tulsi Vivha and prayers at the Cross, all fishermen would be safeguarded from all evils,” said Girap.
Many fishermen said they did not have any problem if the Navy acquired the island, provided that fishing activities should not be stopped in the area.
“Fishing is our livelihood and we should not be denied access to the island to perform the annual rituals,” said Girap.
A poojary, Ganesh Bhatt, who conducting the rituals on the island said the rituals followed were similar to the ones performedin in temples.
“The presence of a large number of people makes the occasion special and they have strong religious faith,” he said.
The Flag Officer of Goa Naval Area, had earlier assured that fishermen’s interest would taken into consideration even though the island is acquired and had assured that devotees would not be denied access from shrines on the island.