Koli community: History, dance, culture and other details of this fishing community

Koli community is an integral part of Mumbai. y are often considered as original residents of Mumbai city. community has a rich history and herit. In fact, 'Koli dance' is one of most popular folk dances in Maharashtra. Below we provide you with a glimpse of community's history-

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About Kolis

Kolis originally hailed from native states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. But, w this community is limited to places such as Navsari, Vals in Gujarat and Maharashtra’s rth-western part, mainly Mumbai. Koli people have mainly thrived in hidden quarters of Mumbai, which is fondly called as 'Koliwas'. Koliwas basically means “a home that opens to sea.” Some prominent Koliwas in Mumbai are ‘Worli Koliwa,’ ‘Sion Koliwa,’ ‘Vasai Koliwa,’ and ‘Colaba Koliwa’. Mumbai’s islands such as Kolbhat (w Colaba), Palva Bunder (w Apollo Bunder), Dongri, Mazagaon, Naigaum have a dense Koli population.  name 'Mumbai' origins from Mumbevi temple located in Dongri. This Mumbevi is most revered deity of Koli community

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Koli Festival

mainstream festival of Koli’s ‘Narali Punav’ is celebrated in a grand manner every year. It is believed that after this day wind and sea waves favour fishing in deep seas. whole Koli community cherishes this day as onset of a fresh new season for harvesting, same as farmers. y pray to sea god, and boats are treated sacredly. Recently, Koli folk in Versova started celebrating ir festival on a big scale, by having a seafood festival to flaunt ir culture to Mumbai city.

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Koli Folk Dance

One of most important parts of Koli community is its dance forms. ir dance forms include elements of sea and fishing. As y worship sea and soil, ir dance also includes a hom to ir occupation. dancers of community perform in unisons and portray movements of boats and waves while dancing. Koli dance is a very enjoyable and vibrant dance form that is really true expression of love to sea and ir passion for life.

Government of India has w classified se people under list of Scheduled Caste for states of Mhya Presh, Gujarat and Rajasthan in 2001. y also appear under list of Scheduled Tribes. Though Koli community is far from this official classification, ir vibrant tribe and boldness make m much more than just your regular fishing community.

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