The Seagulls

The people of the coastal areas of Kerala live catching fish from the Arabian Sea. In olden times rich people used to exploit the poor. In the summer seasons, waterspouts are formed in the sea due to extreme heat. Seeing the waterspouts, the uneducated fishing people believe they were the wicked dealings of evil spirits. They believe that Geevarghese Sahda, the patron Saint of their church, will rescue them from such disasters. Once in a year, the festival of Geevarghese Sahda is being celebrated in the church. The devotees believe that the Saint likes that he is worshipped with the offering of cocks and hens. The front quad of the church fills with such birds. They are auctioned at last. For the fishermen, the Arabian Sea is a symbol of masculine strength. Like a good ruler, it gives them compassion and love. Dolphins and seagulls are sent for assuring the wellbeing of the fish catching men. Fishermen believe of 'Chaakara' as a blessing for them, which was given by Geevarghese Sahda. As they appear in the summer, the fishermen experience happiness during that period. 'Chaakara' are seen above the sea with a lot of different kinds of fish beneath. All the nets of the fishermen are filled with the wealth of fish. In the rainy season the habit of the sea changes entirely. Due to the tumultuous state of the sea, fishermen feel cursed because they need to stop their fish catching. All the homes of the poor fishermen become the dancing stages of poverty and ailments. Females go to the sheds of rich men for the work of drying fish. The unwritten rules of a rich man, Larius, are defied by his own son Sebin. At last, all the sinners are given the penalty for their unkind and cruel deeds.