In Worli Koliwada / Village the narrow lanes of the village is simple yet complicated, The Kolis are very friendly, excited and hard-working people; women either work as fish sellers, or own grocery store, beauty parlor or vegetable vendor out there somewhere. The life around the village has always been the same, there are temples, churches and mosques everywhere, the worli fort really adds to the attraction. The fish business is never ending, inviting many visitors to come and take a quick stroll around the area.
The narrow, rickety houses are so close together that even Twiggy would have to walk sideways to squeeze between them. theverandahs overlooking the street show that Koli women aren’t shy of being seen in public. “Traditionally also it is the woman who goes to the market and gets the money back home, she is a very economically productive member of Koli society,” that is why Koli men pay a bride price instead of women paying a dowry.
As you walk, visit the Golfa Devi temple, a goddess worshipped by Son Kolis. At the temple, the “kaul” – a ritual in which two silver marbles placed on either side of the stone idol’s head helps a fisherman decide matters like when to go fishing. Though this ritual is conducted less frequently for a younger, educated generation.
Shiva temple frequented by MahadeoKolis, where two large pillars with multiple protruding arms. They are used as diya holders during Mahashivaratri, adding that Golfa Devi was sidelined when the number of Mahadeo Kolis increased. The younger generation of Son Kolis also celebrate the Mahashivaratri festival with gusto.
As you navigate by the byzantine lanes, you will notice that many of the two-storey homes facing the sea have a beautiful view of brightly painted fishing boats and the curving Mumbai skyline. Their prime location has led to Kolis renting out their homes to outsiders and this has diluted the culture. the sea link has negatively affected the fishing community by reducing the catch near the shore and forcing the fishermen to go further out to sea.
The Worli Fort was built by the British around 1675 in Worli, Mumbai. The fort built on the Worli hill, overlooked the Mahim Bay at a time the city was made up of just seven islands. It was used as a lookout for enemy ships and pirates.
Then walked ahead to a little church used by the Christian Kolis. “They’ve made a cultural potpourri of their own, so it’s not like they follow just Koli culture or Christian culture,” inside the church you can a statue of Jesus balanced on a Koli fishing boat.
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