Kerala Boat Races

Abounding in lush greenery, captivating backwaters, places of worship, culture and tradition, the state has been a regular haunt of tourists and travellers from all across the globe. And of course, one needs to add the traditional boat races of Kerala to make this destination rich and irresistible evermore. The snake boat races of Kerala showcase the friendliness and the spirit that the people of the state share. Both the young and the young at heart join in the event to encourage their respective participants. Each of the races signifies a specific legend of the past and commemorates an event. Over a score of singers, 100-125 oarsmen have the control of one snake boat. Apart from the huge snake boats, you can also see a number of smaller versions following suit. Water parades are also organised.

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Some of the most popular snake boat races in Kerala include :
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
The boat race is organised in the Malayalam month of Midhunam. The most ancient in the boat race history of Kerala, the Champakulam Moolam boat race has its legendary associations with the Lord Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. The venue of this celebrated event is the Champakulam. The boat race enacts a legend and offers to see various performances of art forms.


Nehru Trophy Boat Race
A much awaited event both for tourists and the locals, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is attended by thousands of people including men, women and children. On the occasion, the Keralites beging to flock to the backwaters of Alappuzha to watch the grand boat race, sort of water carnival. Pavillions can be seen installed on the banks the Punnamada Lake, the venue of the race.

The boat race derives its name from the former India prime minister - Jawahar Lal Nehru. The prime minister himself established the trophy for the race. Over a score of snake boats or chundan Valloms take part in the event, vying for the prestigious Nehru Trophy. There are various categories including one for the women to compete against one another.

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Payippad Jalotsavam
The festival is held at the Payippad Lake, as the name suggests. The lake is at a distance of 35 km from Alappuzha. The race event recollects the legendary installation of the deity at the Subramanya Swamy Temple at Haripad. The temple at Haripad stands in dedication of Lord Ayyappa.


Aranmula Boat Race
The event falls during the Onam Festival and is more of a fiesta along water. The boat race has its mythological links with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is said to be built by Arjuna, the legendary hero of epic Mahabharata. On the occasion of the boat race, an idol of Lord Krishna is taken out along the lake, followed by a long procession. Children, attired to look like nymphs and princesses, follow suit.