The original inhabitants of Mumbai, the Kolis are an aboriginal fishing community who have made a living by subsisting on the fortunes of the ocean. One of the city’s largest fishing villages, Khar Danda, which they call home, is gearing up to celebrate the festival of Holi this week, and this year is special because the festivities hit a century.

The three-day heritage celebration like all things ancient comes with a dose of legend. A resident this writer meets at the hamlet, which is occupied by Hindu Kolis and East Indian Christians, says that the burning of the sacred pyre during Holika dahan, requires firewood. Centuries ago, when the residents ran short of wood in the vicinity of the Salsette Island, they moved to nearby villages, leading to fights over stealing wood. Holika, who the Hindus worship, is believed to have appeared in a fishermen’s dream, using him as conduit to convey the message that the Kolis here celebrate Holi prior to the festival in the Hindu calendar, so that there is sufficient firewood for all.