Module 4: Ratnagiri Site compilation

Ratnagiri Site Plan Compilation

We visited the village of Mirya in Ratnagiri to know about the economy, lifestyle, types of houses etc. The Macro group gathered information about the fishing import export, processing, fishermen and their livelihood.

2 went to the jetty to know about the different segregations of the commercial and local fishes. They also gathered information about the boats used for commercial and local fishing. The fishes which are to be sold on the jetty were removed from the boats and segregated there and were ready for selling. The fishes that were to be exported to different parts of Maharashtra or for the Auctions were sent to the industries for processing.

There were multiple industries large and small scale. The large scale industries got fish supplies almost 24/7 and exported these fishes to many parts of Maharashtra and all over India. The fishes went through a thorough cleaning process and was stored in ice to maintain the flavour and quality of the fishes. The small scale industries got a shorter supply and sent the fishes for the local auction and the Ratnagiri markets.

The fishermen who came from places like Nepal, Kolkata etc and the workers in the industries lived in a society called Mirkarwada.

The Ratnagiri market is the main market where everyone comes to buy all kinds of things ranging from fruits, vegetables, grocieres to fishes also. Its's a main area which does and gets imports and exports from a lot of places.

Project Gallery

Why a Shrine?

Poseidon, also known as the god of the sea was worshiped in the village of mirya earlier. The villagers' economy was completely based on fishing. The villagers for some reason stopped worshiping the sea god and started believing in a different divine source. They built a temple for the ‘mahapurush’ just at the start of the village. Years and years after they just started forgetting the sea god and hence it is believed that the sea god has gained anger on these Mirya people. He also started showing signs like there have been many storms in recent years also in every monsoon the entire village gets filled with water thrown by the sea. The fishing rate has also decreased since many of the fishermen have decided to opt for a more secure job with a fixed paycheck.

To calm the sea god and let him accept us back in his eternal self we are building a place of worship or a place to remember and appreciate him for all he has done for us. A small site for everyone to hang around, talk to each other , relax with the pleasant breeze and the sound of gentle waves coming to the seashore. I feel that The shrine cannot have an idol because apart from the Greek mythology no one really knows how and what the sea god looks like. Also the villagers won't really believe the reek mythology. It would be so amazing to just place the shrine where the ways hit the most to let the little droplets and sprinkles fall on your face and feel the refreshing wind to cool them off. They can also choose a day once a year to celebrate the sea god. The shrine can be a gate way to all your disturbed thoughts. A shaded place to come and release all the bad energy, maybe come and have food, sleep and what not. And like a sirens lullaby the ocean with its melody will tranquil everyone.