Tourist Rush at Harnai Port in Dapoli; High Demand for Fresh Seafood During Diwali Holidays

Dapoli (Ratnagiri District):
The festive spirit of Diwali and Padwa has brought an unprecedented rush of tourists to the coastal town of Dapoli, particularly at the famous Harnai Port. For the past three days, mornings and evenings have witnessed massive crowds, with visitors eager to purchase freshly caught fish directly from the fishermen.

The port area, known for its vibrant fish auctions and seafood markets, has transformed into a lively fairground. Tourists from Pune, Mumbai, and other parts of Maharashtra have been flocking to the harbor to experience the local coastal culture and to buy premium-quality seafood, including pomfret, surmai, bangda, and prawns.

Locals report that the daily turnover from fish sales has crossed several lakh rupees, thanks to the festive demand. Vendors say that the crowd starts gathering early morning when fishing boats arrive with the fresh catch of the day.

“Tourists love the freshness and variety available here. Many even buy in bulk to take it back home,” said one of the local traders at Harnai.

The festive season has also benefited local homestays, seafood restaurants, and transport operators, who have seen a sharp rise in business over the past week.

With this surge, authorities have deployed extra police personnel to manage parking and crowd control around the port area.