Mangaluru: The annual Pilikula Matsyotsava and Fish Fair-2026 attracted large numbers of visitors to Pilikula Lake Garden on Sunday, with fish lovers gathering to purchase fresh fish harvested directly from the lake.
Jointly organised by the Karnataka government’s Departments of Tourism and Fisheries, along with the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation, Mangaluru, the festival aims to promote fisheries, encourage tourism and make fresh, naturally grown fish available to the public at affordable prices.
Katla, Rohu and Tilapia attract buyers
Freshwater fish varieties, including Katla, Rohu and Tilapia, were offered for sale at the festival. The opportunity to purchase fish raised in Pilikula Lake directly from the source attracted both regular customers and first-time visitors.
The annual event has become a much-awaited occasion for fish enthusiasts, with several families returning each year to buy the fresh catch.
To ensure fair distribution and allow more people to purchase fish, organisers introduced a token system that restricted purchases to five kilograms per person. The measure helped streamline sales and distribute the available stock among a larger number of customers.
Harvest target set at 1,500 kg
The organisers had set a target of harvesting 1,500 kg of fish for the festival, of which around 1,000 kg had already been harvested.
Speaking at the inauguration, MLA Dr A Umanath Kotian said the festival had received an encouraging response from the public. He noted that the event provided an opportunity for people to buy fresh fish directly from Pilikula Lake and said similar activities would continue in the coming days.
Pilikula Development Authority in-charge commissioner Dr Arun Kumar Shetty explained that fish fingerlings were regularly released into the lake and allowed to grow naturally before being harvested for sale.
He also highlighted the nutritional value of fish and the public’s growing interest in the annual festival.
Regular visitors welcome the annual tradition
The festival drew repeat visitors who said they looked forward to the event each year.
One customer expressed satisfaction with the quality and freshness of the fish purchased, saying the family had made it a point to attend the festival again this year.
The customer also expressed hope that the annual initiative would continue in the coming years, allowing more people to enjoy fresh fish from Pilikula Lake.
The steady interest from returning customers underlined the festival’s role as a regular feature of Mangaluru’s local food and tourism calendar.
Seafood delicacies add to the festivities
Beyond fresh fish sales, the Matsyotsava featured food stalls serving a range of freshwater and marine fish delicacies. Visitors could also explore value-added fish products and a variety of seafood preparations.
The stalls added to the festive atmosphere, offering visitors an opportunity to sample different dishes while exploring the range of products on display.
By bringing together fresh fish sales, food stalls and tourism activities, the event offered a broader experience for families and seafood enthusiasts visiting Pilikula Lake Garden.
Promoting fisheries and local tourism
The annual Matsyotsava serves as a platform to highlight Pilikula’s fish cultivation activities while encouraging public awareness of fisheries and their contribution to the local economy.
The initiative also supports tourism by attracting visitors to Pilikula, a prominent recreational and educational destination in Dakshina Kannada.
The strong public response to this year’s event reflected continued interest in locally sourced fish and the opportunity to purchase it directly from the lake.
Dakshina Kannada Additional Deputy Commissioner Raju K, MLA Dr A Umanath Kotian, Pilikula Development Authority in-charge commissioner Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, administrative officer Dr Ashok K R, nominated member Shivarama Malli, Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation general manager Mahesh Kumar and sub-committee chairperson Prof G Sriniket were among those present.