But the festival will be a low-key affair this year as the fishermen have decided not to set up any idols for this purpose in protest against the government's inaction during last month's tidal surge that left 1,200 fishermen dead.

The community leaders of Adorkol village said they would perform their rituals with Ghat Puja, although the idols of deities are one of the key attractions of the 150-year-old tradition.

The three-day celebrations begin with devotees taking a dip in the water of the Bay at dawn after the full moon, known as Ras Purnima. The devotees believe that the bath would wipe out all their sins.

People irrespective of faiths and professions join the biggest celebrations in the region.

Around 1,200 fishermen drowned or went missing due to the tidal surge in September last, but the government did not take any initiative to rescue them or recover their bodies, said the community leaders.

They also criticised the activities of Rapid Action Battalion, saying that the Rab members assaulted many fishermen last month in the name of drive against the pirates.