If you love seafood or are keen to know more about Mumbai’s oldest inhabitants, the Kolis, head to the Versova Koli Seafood Festival that begins this weekend at Andheri (W). Organised by the local charitable trusts, the annual three-day affair celebrates the culture, tradition and cuisine of Versova’s Koli community. The nine-year-old event has grown into a large-scale event with loads to offer. “In the last few years, we’ve witnessed over 20-25,000 footfalls each day. This year, we have set up 45 stalls that will serve authentic seafood varieties,” informs Devendra Kale, the chairman of the festival. Interestingly, this festival involves participation of over 100 Koli womenfolk, who prepare all the dishes that are served at the stalls.

A traditional Koli dance performance