Boat Races (Vallamkali) - yet another unique attraction of Kerala
leaves a number of people in a state of delightful awe. The Boat
Races are organized in the backwaters of Kerala which are known
to provide a relaxation to body and soul because of their scenic
beauty and tranquility. However, during Boat Races, the tranquility
gives way to jubilation and excitement. No one is quiet, neither
the human beings nor the water.
The
races are usually held in boats of various shapes and sizes. Prominent
types of boat that take part in these races include Churulan Vallam,
Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody
Vallam, Kochu Vallam. However, it is Chundan Vallam (snake boat)
that hogs much of the attention because of its attractive shape
and massive size.
» Champakulam
Moolam Boat Race
This is counted as the oldest boat race of Kerala. The legend
behind this race states that the king of Chempakasseri, Maharaja
Devanarayana, as guided by his guru, ordered the construction
of a Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. However, a little before
the installation, it was found out that the idol was damaged.
The idol was declared inauspicious for the temple and the king
was hugely upset over the sudden development. The ministers of
his court advised him to send some men to bring down the idol
of Shree Krishna from the the Karikulam Temple in Kurichi. The
king followed the advice. After successful completion of their
work, the ministers, on their way back to halted at Champakulam
to spend the night. In the morning, boats from the entire region
sailed to escort the idol to the temple amidst colourful procession.
The idol was installed on time and with much fanfare.
»Nehru
Trophy Boat Race
The
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of those events, which the people
of Kerala look forward to with excitement. Thousands of Keralites
- men, women and children - throng the watersides of Alappuzha to
witness the spectacle. Pavilions are set up for spectators on the
banks and in the middle of the Punnamada Lake - the venue of the
race.
This boat race is so named
because the former Indian Prime Minister, JawaharlalNehru instituted
the trophy for the winners. 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.
»Indira
Gandhi Boat Race
This
Boat Race in the backwaters of Kochi is organized in the last week
of December in the memory of the former Prime Minister of India,
Late Mrs Indira Gandhi. The race is meant to encourage tourism in
Kerala by highlighting the famous boat races all the more. The exhilaration
felt while watching this race on the Ernakulam Lake is completely
singular.
»Aranmula
Uthrattadi Vallamkali
The
story of Aranmula Boat Race goes that a Brahmin once pledged to
feed one pilgrim a day. Lord Shree Krishna, pleased by his dedication,
appeared himself one day. Overwhelmed, the Brahmin offered 51 measures
of rice and all the provisions of Thiruvona Sadya (Onam afternoon
feast) to be held at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. However,
enemies from other village became aware of it and tried to destroy
the provisions. At this point of time, the Brahmin's own villagers
came to his rescue on snake boats and assisted him to carry his
offering on large snake boats, palliyodam.The Aranmula Boat Race
is a mark of respect to this legend that symbolises devotion, loyalty
as well as bravery. The event is held for two days wherein the first
day sees a huge effigy of Lord Krishna being taken out in a colourful
procession. The next day, the oarsmen and singers form groups and
participate in the actual race in the afternoon.
» Payippad
Jalotsavam
The
three day annual fiesta on the Payippad Lake, 35 km from Alappuzha,
commemorates the installation of the deity at the Subramanya Swamy
Temple, Haripad. The story is that the people of the village decided
to build a temple with Sree Ayyappa as the presiding deity. After
the temple was ready, they had a vision directing them to a whirlpool
in Kayamkulam Lake where they would find the idol of Sree Subramanya,
which was to be installed at the temple. Accordingly, the elders
of the village with divers and swimmers rowed to the spot and found
the idol, which was escorted, back ceremoniously by devotees from
the entire region in colourfully
»The
boat races held during the months of August - September
ATDC
Boat Race, Alappuzha, Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, Pulinkunnu, Neerettupuram
Boat Race, Kumarakom Boat Race, Karuvatta Boat Race, Kavanattinkara
Boat Race, Kumarakom Arpookara Vanitha Jalamela, Kottayam Mahatma
Boat Race, Mannar, Thazhathangadi Boat Race,Kottayam, Kottapuram
Boat Race, Kodungallur and Kumaranasan Smaraka Jalotsavam, Pallana,
The Indira Gandhi Boat Race is held on the Ernakulam Lake during
the Cochin Carnival in the last week of December.
