Thrissur: The phenomenon of sardines washing ashore in large numbers, known as "Chakara," is currently captivating the coastal areas of Thrissur. For local fishermen, this event is considered a "festival." One fisherman remarked, "This 'Chakara' is a festival for us. Sometimes, what you get in one net can last a season."

Chakara, which was originally used to describe a huge quantity of fish seen in the sea, now also refers to the large numbers of fish found on land.

The sight of sardines arriving on shores in huge schools has been ongoing in several parts of the district. This has attracted many people, as they can take home large quantities of sardines without having to pay for them. They simply need to come and collect them.

People are gathering the fish in bags and sacks. In the past month, sardine schools have been reported at about ten locations along the district's coastline, including Chavakkad, Valapad, Vadanappally, Ganeshamangalam Beach, Edakkazhiyur Panchavadi Beach, and Thalikkulam Nambikadavu. The event has stirred curiosity and surprise, with many competing to gather as many sardines as possible.

What can be the reason?

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Sixth standard student Ajmal collecting sardines that washed ashore aat Konad beach | Photo: P Krishna Pradeep

While this phenomenon has created a feast for the local community, there are various explanations for why these fish have come ashore in such large numbers. Fishermen believe the fish are simply coming to the shore, but researchers have pointed to several factors behind the occurrence, including climate change as a contributing factor.

Another possible explanation for the sardine schools washing ashore is the upwelling phenomenon. This occurs when the seabed gradually heats up, causing the seawater's density to decrease. As a result, water from the ocean's depths rises to the surface. In this process, schools of sardines, which are moving near the shore, are pushed to the surface and carried to the shore by the tide. This event typically lasts from half an hour to an hour, after which the fish are unable to return to the deep sea.

This phenomenon is mostly observed in southern Kerala.