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.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
 Nehru
Trophy Boat Race, the annual water carnival at
Punnamada
Lake in Alappuzha
is considered as the biggest snake boat race in the world. The
event is a commemoration of the visit to this place by the late
Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952. The main
event consists of a stiff competition between the magnificent
snake boats known as chundanvallam, for the coveted trophy.
These boats stretch about 100 feet in length, with a raised
prow, resembling the raised hood of a snake, hence the name.
Some 100 rowers who row vigorously to accompany of the
vanchipattu to lend vocal support to their physical efforts man
them. This annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of
Alappuzha district on the second Saturday of August.
Getting there
154 km from Thiruvananthapuram, 64km from Kochin
Aaranmula Boat Race
 This
famous snake boat carnival in
Pamba
River is the part of
the
Aaranmula
Temple festival, held annually at Aranmula on the day of Uthrittathi
asterism, in connection with the Onam festival is to commemorate
the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna on that day. The deity
is supposed to be in all the boats that take part in the
carnival and all of them are expected to arrive at their
destination simultaneously. Masses throng the shores of the
River Pamba to watch an imposing cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'.
Since 1971 this procession has taken the present form of a
race conducted by the Palliyoda Seva Sangh.
Payipad Boat Race
Payippad Boat Race held in memory for the Prathista ceremony
of Haripad Subramanya temple and therefore has a religious
significance. Conducted annually (Aug) at Payippadu, en-route to
Harippad, this race is a three-day affair, with highlights like
water floats, classical and folk art performances etc. Snake
boat processions are taken out on the first two days and
competitive boat race take place on the third day.
Getting there: 94km from Kochin (Cochin - Alleppey -
Harped).
129km from Thiruvananthapuram (Thiruvananthapuram - Kollam –
Haripad)
Champakulam Boat Race
 This
spectacular Boat race held at Champakkulam, about 26 km from
Alappuzha.
It’s winding stretches of backwaters, is famous for its native
boat races held in different parts of the State in the harvest
season. The festival is including spectacular water floats,
decorated boats, Vanchipattu - the song of the oarsmen and the
most thrilling Chundanvallom race. The foreign rulers first
called them snake boats.
Getting
there
Nearest railway station:
Alappuzha.
Nearest airport:
Cochin
International
Airport,
about 85 km from Alappuzha town
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
This prestigious boat race is a grand fest on the rolling
backwaters of
Kochi. Conducted at Marine drive backwaters during the last week of
December. This boat race was instituted in fond memory of the
late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Other boat races held during Onam
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
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