subject: The Enthralling boat races [print this page] Apart from its natural and artificial treasures, Kerals, sobriquet as "God's own country", is famous for its enthralling boat races. Boat races are an integral part of festivals of Kerala. These boat races are mainly organized during the harvest season and on the occasion of Onam which held in the month of August/September.
Thousands of spectators gather at the water's edge to cheer the huge black boats that traverse through the waters and compete with each other for a spectacular finish.
Significance Of Boat Races:
The vast networks of backwaters of the state which otherwise remains tranquil comes alive with these exciting boat races. Bat races are considered as the largest team sport in the world as they signifies the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the native people.
General Info On Boat Races:
Usually, a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100-125 oarsmen, who row in unison to the fast rhythm of vanchipattu (song of the boatman). Generally, the snake boat races are preceded by colorful water parades.
Famous Kerala Boat Races:
Champakulam Boat Race:
Champakulam boat race is the oldest and one of the most popular boat races of Kerala. Every year , the boat festival season mark its beginning with this century old Champakulam boat race. This boat race is closely connected with Sree Krishna temple of Ambalappuzha town. It was held on the Champakulam lake on the moolam day of Midhunam month according to Malayalam calender. On this day, idol of the deity is installed at the temple.
The Nehru Trophy Boat race is one of the most competitive boat race of Kerala. Every year this boat race is conducted on second Saturday of August month , in memory of late pandit Jawarharlal Nehru. The venue for this event is Punnamada lake near Alappuzha. On the day of the event , this place is filled with thousands of national and international spectators. Chundan Vallams or snake boats, which are 110-120 feet long canoes are the major attraction of the Nehru trophy boat race. Over 16 chundan vallams participate in the race along with scores of smaller crafts like the churulan, veppu, odi etc., with a prize for each category. There are separate races for women too. The race begins with a colourful pageant of floats, performing arts and decorated boats. And goes on late into the evening.
Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali Boat Race:
This boat race is a two day long water fiesta than a competition. Every year on the occasion of Onam, Aranmula boat race is held. The event is marked by a colorful water carnival. The main attraction of this carnival is a colorful procession of Lord Shri Krishna's effigy. On the second day, early in the morning, silken parasols, carrying helmsmen, oarsmen and singers assemble near the temple and then move away in pairs, creating a magnificent pageant. Proper boat race held in the afternoon.
Other boat races that held in the state are ATDC Boat Race, Alappuzha, Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, Kumarakom Boat Race, Karuvatta Boat Race, Kavanattinkara Boat Race, Kottayam Mahatma Boat Race, Ernakulum Indira Gandhi boat Race etc.
The Enthralling boat races
By: Bharat Darshan
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