Kerala is a land known for its great cultural
heritage, art and adventure. The boat races of Kerala form an important
part of the tradition of folk arts. With a long coastline, the Sea is so
very important to the social, economic, religious and cultural life of
the people. The economic life of the people, residing in coastal areas,
is very much sea dependent and thus boats form an important part of
their life. For centuries, boat races in these parts of Kerala have
become a symbol of social and cultural harmony. These boat races also
speak about the adventurous and competitive spirit of the people. The
boat races teach the essence of life to live in harmony with people as
well as nature.
Kerala's winding stretches of backwater are famous for their native
boat races, which are held every year during the harvest season. The
boat festival season begins with the centuries-old Champakulam boat
race, which marks the beginning of a month of festivities. The boat
races signify the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the
people of this backwater land. The boat races are occasions of great
excitement and a reflection of a vibrant people.
In the boat races, a boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and
100 - 125 oarsmen who row in unison to the fast rhythm of the
vanchipattu (song of the boatman). It is an amazing site as thousands of
people gather at the waterfront to cheer the huge black crafts as they
cut their way through the waters to a spectacular finish. Many of these
boat race festivals in Kerala have curious legends and myths attached to
their origin.
Aranmula Boat Race
The Aranmula boat race is one of the most popular events in Kerala. It
is held every year, on the Pampa River near the Sree Parthasarathy
Temple, as a part of Onam celebrations (August/September). People throng
the shores of the River Pamba to watch magnificent cluster of snake
boats called 'Palliyodams'. It is interesting to note that the boats do
not race against each other and instead row in unison to the
accompaniment of songs and reach their destination together.
Payippad Boat Race
Payippad Boat race is held during August/September at Alppuzha every
year and is one of the major snake boat races in Kerala.
'Chundanvalloms' or snake boats are the main highlights of the Payippad
Boat Race. The swift "Chundanvalloms" racing through the blue,
crystalline waters are, indeed, a treat to the eyes of the spectators.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most famous of the boat races of
Kerala. This annual festival is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of
Alappuzha district on the 2nd Saturday of August month. The Nehru Trophy
boat race is held to commemorate the visit of the first Prime Minister
of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952. This spectacular race
features magnificent snake boats or 'Chundans'. The lively and rhythmic
boat songs or Vanchipattu draw the spectators to a state of frenzy.
Champakulam Boat Race
The Champakulam boat race is held at Champakulam, about 26 km from
Alappuzha. The Champakulam boat race is the first one of the season and
has a tradition that goes back to centuries. The festivities include
spectacular water floats, decorated boats, Vanchipattu, the song of the
oarsmen and the most thrilling Chundanvallom race. Chundans are a type
of boat, which are over 100 feet in length with raised prows.
Rajiv Gandhi Trophy Boat Race (Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race)
The Rajiv Gandhi boat race is held two weeks after the Nehru Trophy
Boat Race. The venue of the Rajiv Gandhi boat race is Pulinkunnu, 10 km
away from the Alleppey town. This boat race is organized in memory of
the late Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi.
Some other Boat Races of Kerala that are regularly organized are:
