Kerala Boat Race
Kerala Boat Races are one of the major
attractions of the state. These boat races signify the team spirit,
togetherness and harmony among Keralites. If we keep in mind the fact that
the economy of the state is sea-dependent, we can evaluate the importance of
boat races in Kerala society. The snake boat races are held on the
auspicious occasion of Onam Festival. This is the harvest festival of Kerala
held in August/September. Many legends and myths are attached to the origin
of the races. The placid backwaters of Kerala are enlivened by this
centuries-old regatta. The tourists besides the thousands of locals gather
here and enjoy the thrill of the pageant.
Boat Race Highlights
- 'Chundanvalloms' or snake boats
- 'Vanchipattu' or lively and rhythmic boat songs
- Impressive decoration on the boats
- Synchronous movement of rowers
- Charm and gaiety everywhere
- Spectacular water floats
- Races of smaller country crafts
|
Feature Attraction
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
This annual water carnival at Punnamada Lake in Alleppey is known as the
biggest boat race of the whole world. The spectacular boat pageant held just
before the boat race is really a experience worth cherishing forever. More
than 100 rowers plough the waters to the tunes of the legendary songs.
India's first prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru instituted the Nehru Trophy
after getting enthralled by the boat races with the entrance and merriment
of the water carnival. A large number of tourists gather here to be a
witness of the pageant. This regatta is held on the second Saturday of
August on Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha district.
Other Popular Boat Races
» Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
This boat race is regarded as the most famous and the oldest snake boat
race in Kerala. It is linked with the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha.
An colourful procession of water floats, embellished boats and performing
artists greet the spectators before the event.
Venue : Champakulam Lake
Time of the Year : July to September
» Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali
In this two day boat race the legend involving a devout Brahmin, who made
an offering of the feeding one pilgrim a day. In this event, a colourful
water carnival is held and an imposing effigy of Sree Krishna is taken out
on the lake.
Venue : Arananmula Parthasarathy Temple
Time of the Year : July to September
» Payippad Jalotsavam
This three day celebration is held to commemorate the installation of the
deity at the Subramanya Swamy Temple, Haripad. The race held on Payippad
Lake has a legend linked with it. The legend says that the residents of the
village wanted to build a temple with Sree Ayyeppa as the presiding deity.
After completion of the temple, the villagers had a a vision. It directed
them to a whirlpool in Kayamkulam Lake having the idol of Sree Subramanya,
which was to be installed at the temple. The villagers found the idol. It
was escorted back with full funfair by the devotees.
Venue : Payippad Jalotsavam
Time of the Year : July to September
» Rajeev Gandhi Trophy Boat Race
The boat race is held in the memory of the late Prime Minister of India,
Rajeev Gandhi. The travel department of India organizes this event. Quite
similar to other boat races held in Alleppey, thousands of the people gather
and participate or simply enjoy this boat race. The participants start
practicing several months before the event. This hard work really shows with
their mind-blowing performance.
Venue : Pulinkunnu, 10 km from Alleppey Town
Time of the Year : August Last Saturday
