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Boat Races of Kerala
Kerala is a land of backwaters and beaches. A number of water sports are associated with the major lakes in Kerala. One of the major water sports in Kerala is boat racing, which is being organized by a number of social and religious organizations. These boat races have always been a part of the tradition of Kerala. There are instances in the history of Kerala when disputes between kings and chiefs were settled by boat races. These boat races are yet another reason that the tourists are attracted towards ‘God's Own Country’. A number of teams from different districts participate in boat races, which are organized annually. These races are organized specifically during temple festivals, which give this water sports an aura of religious sanctity. A few out of these races are ancient and have different myths and legends attached to them. The Snake boat races, commonly known by the natives as Chundanvallams, are the one which are most popular. These races are organized at different places in Kerala including Punnamada in Alappuzha.
Major boat races in Kerala are Alappuzha (Nehru Trophy), Champakulam and the Aranmula.The bank of river Pampa at Aranmulla attracts large crowds for the annual snake boat races. The precincts of the Krishna temple on the river bank reverberate with the shouts of the cheering crowd. Every village along the river side owns a boat and has a specialized crew to steer it. Dressed in white dhotis and turbans, they participate in the boat race. The boatmen row their boats with rhythmic movements to the accompaniment of drum beats and special boat songs.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the dazzling treat for eyes. Held on the second Saturday of August every year, this race can be termed as the greatest of backwater events in Kerala. Magnificient snake boats compete for the prized trophy constituted by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Chundanvallams or snake boats measure over 100 feet in length, with a raised prow. Other categories in the race are the smaller boats like Veppu, Iruttukuthi, Churulan and Thekkanodi. The event also offers many fascinating sights such as ceremonial water processions, spectacular floats and decorated boats.
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is one of the ancient and most popular boat races in Kerala. The race is organized on the river Pampa at Champakulam, Alappuzha. The snake boats are called so because of the huge sterns of these boats that looks like a hood of a cobra raised in anger. The average length of the snake boats measures to hundred feet. The legend has that the Raja of Chempakasseri, Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan, built a temple at Ambalappuzha as suggested by the royal astrologers. It was discovered that the idol which was being placed at the temple was not fit. Therefore, a new idol was brought to this place from Karikulam Temple in Kurichi. As this idol was brought to the temple on a boat, the king declared that watersport will be organized on this particular date every year, to commemorate this event.
Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali
Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali or the Aranmula Boat Race is the oldest known boat race event which takes place in Kerala. The boat race takes place during the festival of Onam, which occurs during the Malayalam month Chingam (August - September). The boat race is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna. The boats which are used for racing are huge. They have four helmsmen, 100 rowers and 25 singers who sing Vanchipattu songs throughout the race. The traditional snake boats which are especially used here for racing are called ‘Palliyodams’ by the natives. Each boat is decorated with a golden lace. Along with these decorations every boat has a flag and two or three ornamental umbrellas.
Payippad Jalotsavam
Payippad Jalotsavam is one of the finest snake boat races organized all over the world. The boat race is organized in a span of three days on the lake Payippad, which is located 35km from the district of Alappuzha. There is a close relationship between the Payippad Jalotsavam and the Subramanya Swamy Temple situated at Haripad. The legend has that before the actual construction of Sree Ayyappan Temple, the people of Haripad village had a vision that they should install the idol of Subrahmanya which was to be found at the bottom of the Kayamkulam River. Interestingly, the idol was supposed to be placed under a whirlpool. The people found the idol at the exact location. Hence, they brought the idol to its present location on a boat. This festival is celebrated every year in commemoration of that event.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Indira Gandhi Boat Race : Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Kochi. The event takes place in the last week of December, it is a closing moments to the Tourism Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts of the world. The sixteen royal snake boats racing neck to neck in gaiety and competition to the sky-rending cheers of the multitudes, is a exclusive sight. The popular trophy of the race was instituted in reminiscence of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.
Orchirakali Boat Race
Orchirakali Boat Race : It is yet another famous event of Kerala. Ochirakali is an annual event in the Sri Parabrahma temple, which aims at highlighting the martial skills of participants. Many people come to the sacred temple of Parabrahma. The exclusive thing about this temple is that there are no idols or sculptures that are worshipped. In Kerala, Ochirakali boat race is held on the place where former rulers of Kerala, namely, Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha are said to have fought a historic battle. The festival is detained to honor that historical event.