A journey through boat photography in Kerala, showcasing beautiful seascapes with boats in the harbour areas of Ponnani.
Silent Pause is the essence of Ponnani, the only port in Kerala’s Malappuram district, and thus a renowned fishing hub as well as a historic, beautiful town. Nestled between the Arabian Sea to the west, backwaters to the south, and a bay to the north, Ponnani enjoys an ideal coastal setting. Moreover, the Bharathapuzha, Kerala’s second-longest river, flows into the Arabian Sea here, further enhancing its natural beauty.
During the Mysorean Sultans’ reign, Ponnani Port expanded. In 1766, Haidar Ali, the Sultan of Mysore, established an outpost in Ponnani. After conquering northern Kerala, his successor, Fateh Ali Tipu (Tippu Sultan), further developed the port for strategic and commercial purposes, making it one of Malabar’s key exporting hubs. This silent pause in history laid the foundation for Ponnani’s significance in fishing and commerce, a legacy still visible in its vibrant landscapes today.
Silent Day In the absence of fishermen, the harbor reflects the calm of the community.
This story begins on a Friday, November 22nd. A holiday for the harbour as the community gathers for prayer at the nearby mosques, reflecting the deeply rooted Islamic heritage of the region. The mood of the port becomes clear and peaceful. A calmer atmosphere replaces the typical rush of boats unloading cargo and the shouts of fishermen bringing in their daily harvest. People from many areas are drawn to the mosque and the prayer to take a break from their daily schedules and spend time in social and spiritual pursuits. As a show of respect and devotion, people dress neatly and traditionally as they get ready for the Friday prayer (Jumu’ah). Businesses and places of employment shut down or shorten their hours so that individuals can concentrate on their daily spiritual commitments.
The Wait Birds waiting for food on top of the harbor as it remains empty without any people.
The harbor is silent, the boats still. This pause is a time of waiting for the birds—herons, seagulls, and cormorants—floating over the water, eyes sharp for a meal. They know the boats’ return brings fish scraps, a feast for them. Silent observers of the harbor’s rhythm, they perch on piers, rocks, and boats, sometimes crying out as if calling back the old chaos.
No nets or hooks disturb the fish in the calm sea. The birds seem to accept this lull as part of the cycle, yet they struggle with it. This scene perfectly captures the serenity of the harbor, ideal for boatscape or fishing boat images.
Roaming eye An Egret roaming on the boat searching for food.
All await the harbor’s reopening—the fishermen’s return, the scent of fresh catch, and the rhythm of daily life. Boats rest idly, nets coiled, as the usual clatter gives way to calm. This stillness, rich with anticipation, makes Boatscape Ponnani a perfect portrayal of the harbor’s quiet yet expectant moment.
Anxious A cormorant anxiously looking into the harbor for food.
Anchored Beauty A large fishing boat rests onshore, framed by delicate purple flowers.
Boats are not just a vessel but a lifeline, carrying dreams, struggles, and the fruits of their hard work. Through their stories, the harbour transforms into more than a mere docking point; it becomes a sanctuary of courage, tradition, and an ongoing partnership between humanity and the ocean’s bounty. The variety of fishing centers in Kerala often mirrors this delicate relationship between man and the sea.
Resting Grace The boats wait gracefully on a holiday for the next day’s journey.
The harbor is dominated by larger motorboats and mechanical trawlers, showing the area’s transition to commercial fishing. These boats can travel farther into the deep sea because they have stronger engines, advanced navigation systems, and more storage space. With their decks piled high with nets, ice-filled storage, and an organized crew, trawlers are a common sight. Many of these boats have hand-painted names and colorful decorations that represent blessings and faith for a safe return. Some have designs that represent the fishermen’s cultural beliefs or show images of gods.
Friday’s Pause The fishing boats are still on the harbor, through them a passenger boat passes into the vastness.
These boats are more than tools; they embody fishermen’s resilience against the unpredictable sea. Lining the docks, they range from small, colorful wooden skiffs to advanced mechanical boats, highlighting the shift in fishing traditions. This evolving landscape offers both beauty and insight into the balance between old and new methods.
Boats Pause The fishing boats are taking a pause in the holiday.
On a typical day, these boats bustle with activity as fishermen load supplies, ice boxes, and nets. Engines hum, wood creaks, and the salty breeze fills the air. But on a rest day like Friday, they sit in silence, swaying with the tide. Their vibrant colors contrast with the calm harbor, while intricate, well-coiled ropes reflect their crews’ skill.
Knotting Fishermen knotting the net on a holiday to go for catch tomorrow.
Boats, anticipating their next journey, echo with clinking metal and gull calls. After enduring storms, they symbolize the harbor’s strength and bond with the sea. A rowboat in harbor reflects this balance of serenity and readiness, as fishing tests both endurance and skill.
Preparation Fishermen preparing the net to go fishing the next day.
Fishermen swiftly collect and store their catch after casting nets into the sea, then haul them back full of fish. Meanwhile, the boats stand dignified, bathed in sunlight, ready to sail again. Each morning, they faithfully carry their crews into the horizon, continuing the timeless dance between man and sea. Consequently, seascape images beautifully capture this journey.
Loading Goods Fishermen loading their boats with required things for fishing.
Fishermen operate in a methodical manner, perfecting their techniques over years of practice. Nets are checked for tears, knots are secured, and equipment is inspected. Ice bins keep fish fresh, while the air smells of wood, oil, and the sea. Aware of the difficulties that stood ahead, each fisherman carries a quiet determination. The ocean can be both a friend and a threat; it is abundant with its resources but unpredictable. They prepare their brains as well as their gear, bracing themselves for the long days in the mysterious, unpredictable ocean. These moments are captured through boat photography Kerala, highlighting the harmony between the fishermen and their sea-bound vessels.
Fishing Fleet Fishing boats are stationed here and there in lines, one solitary boatman rows nearby stationed fishing boats.
As dawn breaks, engines roar to life, shattering the morning silence. Boats bask in golden light, emerging one by one, their outlines cutting through the fog. Fishermen’s faces glow with excitement, each wave a challenge and an opportunity. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” On a Friday, the harbor is more than just a moment of peace—it’s a reminder to pause amidst life’s chaos.
Voyage Fishermen going with their boats to catch the fish in the morning.
The harbor, in its quiet stillness on a holiday, reminds us of the power of pausing—to rest, reflect, and recharge in a fast-moving world. In stillness, there is movement, and in these moments, we find the clarity we seek.
Copyrights: All the photos and text in this post are the copyright of Arun Narayanan T Palakkad and Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film. Their reproduction is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.
