Mangaluru : The Pilikula Development Authority (PDA), in collaboration with the Karnataka tourism and fisheries departments, will organise the Pilikula Matsyotsava and Fish Food Festival-2026 on Oct 25. The daylong event will begin at 8.30am at Pilikula Lake Garden entrance, showcasing the region’s fishing traditions while promoting aquatic conservation and coastal cuisine.
The authority releases around 20,000 fingerlings of Katla, Rohu and Tilapia into the lake annually.
“Our main objective is to introduce the coastal region’s fishing culture and tradition to the people,” Shetty said, adding the highlight of the festival will be the replenishment of fish resources in the lake. Addressing a press meet on Friday, PDA commissioner Arun Kumar Shetty said the festival aims to familiarise people with the coastal region’s fishing culture and traditions.
Live fish will be sold at Rs 160 per kg from 8.30am, subject to availability. A food exhibition featuring freshwater and marine seafood delicacies prepared by local vendors will be open until 5.30pm. Stay updated with the latest Mangaluru news.
The festival will also offer visitors an opportunity to buy freshly caught fish directly from the lake. He clarified that the price was fixed to cover basic operational expenses and not to generate profit. Food stalls and fish sales counters will be set up outside the lake garden’s main gates, and entry is free. Download the TOI App.