# Chakara

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{{Short description|Marine phenomenon off India}}
{{for|the Malayalam film|Chaakara (film)}}
A '''chakara''' (also '''Chaakara''' and in [Malayalam](/source/Malayalam_language) '''ചാകര''')  is a natural marine phenomenon observed along the [Malabar Coast](/source/Malabar_Coast) of [India](/source/India), particularly in [Kerala](/source/Kerala), where an extraordinary abundance of fish is brought close to the shore, sometimes even being washed ashore. The etymology of chakara relates to [Malayalam](/source/Malayalam) words "Chaavu" and "Kara" meaning die on the shore, symbolising the huge stock of fish that piles up on the coast during these rare events. 

Chakara typically occurs during the [southwest monsoon](/source/southwest_monsoon) season when upwelling—caused by wind-driven movements of the ocean—brings nutrient-rich water from the ocean depths to the surface.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Prabhakaran|first1=M. P.|last2=Menon|first2=M. D.|last3=Pillai|first3=V. K.|title=Upwelling Phenomena Along the Malabar Coast|date=2016|journal=Journal of Marine Science|volume=12|issue=3|pages=45–52}}</ref> These nutrients promote plankton blooms, creating an abundant food source for fish, leading to their congregation in large numbers near the shore.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Nair|first1=R. V.|last2=Rao|first2=K. V.|title=Coastal Upwelling and Its Impact on Fisheries in the Arabian Sea|date=2008|journal=Indian Fisheries Journal|volume=56|issue=2|pages=112–118}}</ref> The phenomenon is more pronounced near areas with unique underwater topography that enhances upwelling, such as the Kerala coast. 

Locations of this rare occurrence are [Purakkad](/source/Purakkad) in [Alappuzha](/source/Alappuzha) district <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/news.php?id%3D1098%26sub%3D11 |title=Mathrubhumi - Travel and Tourism |access-date=2010-10-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021112310/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/news.php?id=1098&sub=11 |archive-date=2010-10-21 }}</ref>  and [Kodungallur](/source/Kodungallur) in [Thrissur](/source/Thrissur) District in Kerala. A similar phenomenon is also observed in some coastal regions in [South America](/source/South_America).

==Cultural and Economic Significance==

For the coastal communities, Chakara is a period of economic prosperity. The sudden fish catch provides them with unexpected wealth, allowing fishermen to reap significant economic benefits in a short span. The event has also found its way into local folklore and traditions, symbolising nature’s generosity.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Menon|first1=A. G.|title=The Socio-Economic Impact of Chakara on Malabar Communities|date=2010|journal=Kerala Coastal Studies|volume=18|issue=1|pages=29–40}}</ref>

Anthropogenic activities like overfishing and coastal development could impact its frequency and scale. Maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems is vital to ensure the sustainability of this phenomenon.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Kumar|first1=P. R.|last2=Sreenivasan|first2=S.|title=Human Activities and Their Impact on Marine Phenomena in the Arabian Sea|date=2021|journal=Ecological Studies in India|volume=34|issue=2|pages=78–91}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060523054949/http://www.boloji.com/environment/35.htm Malayalam's Own Monsoon]
* [http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=124205151087835&set=vb.431656700226652&type=2&theater]

{{Malayalam Literature |state=collapsed}}
Category:Malayalam terms
Category:Fishing in India

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Chakara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakara) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakara?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.