For a reason, Kerala is known as God's own nation. Its breathtaking natural beauty is unrivaled. Local traditions and customs, as well as festival festivities, are as colorful as they come. When it comes to traditions and celebrations, the Snake Boat Race, or Vallam Kalli (as the locals name it), is one of the most magnificent events and customs in the state.
During the monsoon season, millions of people from all over the world visit Kerala, particularly Alleppey and Kochi, to see the Snake Boat Race. Each of the majestic boats in the race is more than 100 feet long and has 110 rowers who engage in a heated struggle against other teams.
These Snake Boat Races in Kerala bring the state's peaceful backwaters to life and set them on fire. The rowers' cries and the beats of the drums combine to produce an incredible visual display.
What is the Kerala Snake Boat Race?
The race is named for the shape of the boat on which the rower competes. locals name it is Chundan Vallam, a canoe-style boat. The people, particularly the oarsmen who utilise the boat in the race, revere it as their deity.
These are traditional war boats from Kerala, and each village has its own snake boat, which is represented by the best oarsmen from the community and competes against others. The boat race in Kerala is more than simply a sports event; it is an intrinsic part of Kerala's culture, and the oarsmen have a strong attachment to their boats, which adds to the excitement of the competition.
Origin of Snake Boat Race in Kerala
The boat festival in Kerala over more than 400 years. It is stated that an ancient Alleppey monarch intended to build a formidable boat to attack the nearby kings along the canal. His death in one of the fights inspired the design of these magnificent ships.
Boat Race in Kerala (Tournament)
- Nehru Trophy
- Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
- Payippad Boat Race
Nehru Trophy
Many snake boat races are staged around Kerala throughout the year. None, however, is as well-known or as large as the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race. Punnamada Lake in Alleppey is the site of this yearly major event. The event has been run since 1952 and is named after India's previous Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. To witness this event, you must purchase tickets, which range in price from Rs. 100 to Rs. 3000.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is expected to be held on August 12 this year.
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
This is Kerala's oldest snake boat race, held on the Pamba River. It is conducted on Moolam day, which commemorates the dedication of Lord Krishna's idol in Ambalappuzha's Sree Krishna Temple.
Payippad Boat Race
This three-day boat race is organized to honor the dedication of Lord Sree Subramanya's idol in Subramanya Swamy Temple. The race is conducted during the Onam festival and is an important part of the celebrations for the people, as well as being among the most anticipated events in the state.
Where to stay in Kerala to watch Boat Race?
- Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey
- Punnamada Resort
- aquabliss resor
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