State-level ‘Matsya Mela’ attracts Fish Lovers in large Numbers at Malpe Beach
Pics by Alister Attur
Udupi: A state-level ‘Matsya mela’ (fish fest) which was held at Malpe beach in Udupi received a huge response on December 30. The Fish fest was organized by DK and Udupi Cooperative Fish Marketing Federation. A large number of people thronged the Malpe Beach on Sunday to experience the State-level fish fest. The fish fest was organised to support the fishermen and to promote seafood delicacies. Thousands of visitors were seen savouring and relishing fresh seafood delicacies during the Matsya mela.
Sea food buffs tasted various mouth-watering sea foods lime fish and chips, fish biryani, golden fried prawns with hot garlic sauce, crispy fried prawns, fish kebab, fish rava fry, squid chilly, fish shawarma, and much more. Apart from food, various sports activities were also organized for the public, such as swimming, traditional fishing also called seashore fishing —“Kairampani,” beach volleyball for men, beach throw-ball for women, beach kabaddi, tug of war, sand sculpture and drawing. The winners were awarded cash prizes. The sand sculpture carving competition on the beach saw artists from different parts of the district carving sculptures on different themes.
Yashpal Suvarna president of DK and Udupi Cooperative Fish Marketing Federation speaking to Team Mangalorean said, ” Our main intention in organizing this fish fest was to support the fishermen and to promote seafood delicacies. Today fishermen community is facing various problems in coastal district. By organizing such fish festivals in various places of the state, will help to support the fishermen community. Through this fish fest we are appealing the state government to announce pension for fishermen who are above 60 years old and also interest-free loan for fishermen. We will also be urging to increase the quantity of kerosene supplied to fishing boats, suspend road cess on diesel, setting up of fisheries industrial zone and others”.
This Fish Fest was ideal for those who love seafood delicacies, which are not easily found elsewhere. From various sea food items prepared authentically and coastal style, this Fest was a big opportunity for people to savour the best of the best in fish delicacies. Bon apetit!
