Snake Boat Races

The excitement, joy, thrills the fierce competition and the great determination to win all is the essential characteristics that make the boat races of Kerala as one of the most awaited event of the state. These Chandanvallams or the Snake like boats present an amazing picture which millions of locals and the visitors remember for long time. If you are planning to visit this beautiful state then make a plan in the months of August or September and catch the nail biting action of this unmatched water sport on the backwaters of Kerala. The 50 m long wooden boats powered by 100 oarsmen is the star attraction cheered by thousands of spectators lining on the banks of the river.

Truly amazing this water opera is that reminds the visitors some enchanting moments of naval warfare. One can visualize how these giant boats takes each other on which are powered by muscle power and traditional village rivalry. The boats or chundans have long hulls and steep sterns remind one of the raised hoods of cobras is the major attraction for the visitors. Large number of spectators clusters on the palm shaded banks holding their breath in insuppressible excitement. As soon as the starter flag comes down the silence of peaceful backwater comes down with the mighty roar that lacerates out of a thousand throats. Not less than 15 musicians the Chandanvallams row furiously in tandem towards the finishing line in a tussle for glory. The whole spectacle is so breathtaking, full of energy and rhythm that makes it a memorable event for the visitors.

There are various boat races in Kerala that are organized at different places of Kerala at different period of times.

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race:- It is one of the most ancient and popular boat races in Kerala. The race is organized on the river Pampa at Champakulam, Alappuzha. According to the popular legend the Raja of Chempakasseri, Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan, built a temple at Ambalappuzha as suggested by the royal astrologer. But later on it was discovered that the idol which was being placed in the temple was not appropriate then a new idol maws brought to this place from Karikulam Temple. The idol was brought to the temple on a boat and thus the king declared that a water sport will be organized on this particular date to commemorate the event.

Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali:- The Aranmula Boat race is the oldest known boat race of Kerala that takes place during the festival of Onam. The boat race occurs during the Malayalam month Chingam in August- September. The boat race is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna. The boats include 4 helmsmen, 100 rowers and 25 singers who sing Vanchipattu songs through out the race. The boats used for racing are called Palliyodams by the natives. The flags are decorated with golden laces and each boat boats a flag and two or three ornamental umbrellas.

Payippad Jalotsavam:- The boat race is organized in the span of three days on the lake Payippad which is located at a distance of 35 km from the district of Alappuzha. According to a popular legend there is a close relationship between Payippad Jalotsavam and Subramanya Swamy temple situated at Haripad. According to a popular belief before the actual construction of Sree Ayyapan Temple the people of Haripad village had a visionthat they should install the idol of Subrahmanya which was to be found at the bottom of Kayamkulam River. After the search the people of village found the idol exactly at the same location. Hence they bought the idol to its present location on the boat. Since then the festival is celebrated to commemorate the event.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race:-The annual Nehru trophy boat race is the major attraction among the visitors that throng the tourists from all across the world to visit this visual spectacle. The race takes place on the backwaters of Punnamada in Alappuzha district of Kerala. The history behind the event is that the snake boat race was constructed when Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru visited this place. He was so impressed by the spirits and enthusiasm of the people that he awarded the Nehru Trophy to the winners. Since then a silver trophy bears a snake boat model is awarded to the winning team of boat race.

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