Boat Races
Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race
Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race at Pulinkunnu, Alappuzha. The event is a memorial to the former prime minister. Festival highlights: Colourful water procession Water floats Boat races. The race is held at Pulincunnoo, the heart ofKuttanadu ,10 km away from the Alleppey town in the memory of the Late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, the former Indian Prime Minister.Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race is held two weeks after the Nehru Trophy Boat Race during the month of August-September.This event Offers tremendous publicity potential, as about one lakhs people are witnessing it directly and many lakhs vicariously through print and visual medias.The race is conducted by the Rajiv Gandhi Trophy Boat Race club which is Registered No. 404/91 under the Charitable and Religious Societies Act and is nonprofit seeking body. In addition to the competitions, there will be an exhibition of ancient and traditional forms rowing such as “Vechupattu Thuzhachil” and “Karakkikuthu Thuzhachil” by three snake boats. These types of rowing which are now becoming extinct, will be an added attraction.Most of the boat races are organized by Government Officials with little public participation and a lot of red tapism is visible everywhere. . The trophy awarded to the winners named as Rajiv Gandhi Trophy was donated by former Chief Minster of Kerala Mr. K. Karunakaran. Processions of ornamented boats and water floats are held, besides the boat races.
Champakulam Boat Race
The Champakulam boat race is the initial race held during this season and has a tradition of more than 500 years. The annual traditional boat race begins in late June and early July. This festival is acknowledged as 'Moolam Vallamkali'. It is strongly connected to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. The race is carried out on the Moolam day in the Malayalam month Midhunam, the installation day of the deity at the Temple. On the day of the race, people, both locals and travellers from far off places, flock the river bank to enjoy the race. Venturous spirits will ensure a better vantage point by climbing the nearby trees. As the sun comes straight on top of all gathered, boats in various categories like thechundan (snake boat), veppu, iruttu kuthi, churulan and others from nearby regions assemble at the starting point of the race. Among these boats, the snake boats with its fascinating design catch the attention of all.Being the largest sporting event in the world, snake boat race is often considered as the ultimate test of endurance, speed and skill. As the oarsmen set the pace of their boats with oars striking the placid waters of River Pamba, it becomes a track on fire. Even Today the pageant is still re-enacted with the same enthusiasm and the charming beauty of the procession of boats decorated with colorful parasols and performing arts that greets the spectator before the race enchants one. The race proper is held in various stages for various categories of boats.The annual event of Snake boat race is celebrated on a grand scale with much enthusiasm and vigor that fills the air with joy and excitement.The snake boats are called so because of the huge sterns of these boats that looks like a hood of a cobra raised in anger.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is conducted on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, on the second Saturday of August every year. On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh people, including tourists from abroad for watching it. For the people of each village in Kuttanad, a victory at this race for their village boat is something to be celebrated for months to come. The most colorful water sport in Kerala, is conducted at PUNNAMADA LAKE in Alappuzha. The most prestigious and interesting event among the races is the competition of the "Chundan Vallam" or the snake boats. These majestic boats measuring a length of 30 to 60 metres (over 100 ft) with a raised prow, are quite impressive and can accommodate around 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen and 25 cheer leaders. The boats are well decorated with colourful trimmings and umbrellas during the race. Champakulam, Kavalam, Karichal, Jawahar Thayangari, Kallooparamban, Pacha, Pulincunnu, Nedubhagam, Cheruthana, Kandangari and Paippad are the chief competitors for the trophy. The huge boats racing through the blue backwaters is a spectacular sight. The venue is 5kms from Alappuzha railway station and a walk able distance from Alappuzha bus stand.
This race became a regular annual event after the visit of India's 1st prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952 to Alappuzha. He was so impressed with the impromptu race conducted on his behalf that he donated a Silver Trophy, which is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus, with the words "To the winner of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore - Cochin" inscribed on it. People from near and far swarm the banks of Punnamada Lake to enjoy this annual water regatta. Apart from the races of chundan valloms (snake boats) and of smaller country crafts, the event has in store many fascinating moments like the ceremonial water processions, spectacular floats and decorated boats.
Aranmula Boat Race
Boat Race Is Held at The Pamba River at Aranmula Temple. Palliyodams (Snake Boats) Aranmula are Conducting In Uthrittathi Vallamkali. Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya, Vanchipattu, are related to The Aranmula Boat Race. Also, the Thanka Anki (golden attire) for Ayyappa, donated by the king of Travancore, is stored here and taken to Shabarimala during the Mandala season (late December).Aranmula is also known for the watersports involving a spectacular procession of snake boats. It is also linked with legends from the Mahabharata.It is one of the most important Krishna temples in Kerala, the others being at Guruvayur, Trichambaram, Tiruvarppu and Ambalappuzha.Also, it is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the Mahabharata. The Chengannur temple is related to Yuddhishtra; the Tiruppuliyur temple to Bheema; Aranmula to Arjuna; Tiruvamundur to Nakula and Tirukkadittaanam to Sahadeva). It has been glorified by the Tamil hymns of Nammalwar of the 1st millennium CE. Legend has it that a devout Brahmin vowed to offer all the requirements for the thiruvona sadya (the grand traditional feast on the day of Thiruvonam) at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Once, the boat known as Thiruvona Thoni carrying these offerings was attacked by enemies. In order to protect the Thiruvona Thoni people from neighbouring areas sent their snake boats. Later on, this practice evolved into an offering to Lord Parthasarathy in the form of a snake boat race, held on the Uthrittathi day which eventually became popular as the Aranmula Boat Race.
Payippad Boat Race
The Payipad Boat Race is perhaps the oldest boat race of Kerala. The accurate historical evidence is not available. However, the tradition of the Payipad Boat Race is as old as the Haripad Sri Subrahmanya Swami Temple itself. The Haripad temple is believed to have been consecrated in the 16th Century. he oldest temple was about 5000years old.There was a 'Skandakumara" idol was installed in the temple. So the place name became KUMARA PURAM. Even now some areas of Haripad is called Kumarapuram. At that time the temple was under control of some famous Ooranma families, those are Chengarappally, Thazhoor, Kizhikulam and 20 other Karanma families. These families decided to construct a new big temple. The 'Sreekovil' was constructed by Ambakkaattu Family of Karichal Village. At that time elder members of the Ooranma families saw a dream in same night. The dream was an idol of Subrahmanya with 4 hands (Chathurbahu) is lying in Govindamuttom Lake(Kayamkulam). People of these families rushed to the place in a boat (Palliyodam) to find out the idol. They found a whirpool in the lake. Now the place is called Kandalloor (kanda nalla ooru). After finding the Idol(Vigrha), the people taken it to Nelppurakkadavu near Harippad in a boat, escorted by many boats(Palliyodam)rowed by the villages. In remembrance of this event a three day water festival is conducted each year.The race has the largest participation of snake boats after the Nehru Trophy boat race. Apart from the breathtaking race of the snake boats and other country boats the event is made more impressive by colourful water pageants.
President's Trophy Boat Race
The first meeting of the President’s Trophy Boat Race 2013 was held on 24-09-2013 under the Chairmanship of Sri. B. Mohanan IAS, District Collector at collectorate Kollam. The meeting was inaugurated by Sri. N. Peethambarakurup M.P., Sri. P.K. Gurudasan M.L.A, Sri. A.A. Aziz MLA, Smt. Prasanna Earnest, Hon’ble Mayor and many other dignitaries present at the meeting.The meeting unanimously constituted an Organizing Committee consisting of 501 members. The 3rd edition of the boat race is scheduled to be held on 1st November, 2013. The Organizing Committee constituted 25 sub-committees for the smooth and well conduct of the event. Vallam Kali held on the Ashtamudi lake in Kollam on November 1 every year in Kerala Piravi day.This is the most popular of the races to be held during the season of the harvest festival Onam in Autumn on ashtamudi lake in Kollam,the cashew paradise in Kerala.There would be races in five categories, namely Chundan Vallam (snake-boats), two grades of Veppu Vallam, and two grades of Iruttukuthi Vallam. Sixteen snake-boats would compete in four heats. There would be races in five categories, namely Chundan Vallam (snake-boats), two grades of Veppu Vallam, and two grades of Iruttukuthi Vallam. Sixteen snake-boats would compete in four heats.The trophy had been instituted in the name of the President of India. President of India will be present to witness the race and would also give away the trophy and cash prize to the winning team.
Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race at Pulinkunnu, Alappuzha. The event is a memorial to the former prime minister. Festival highlights: Colourful water procession Water floats Boat races. The race is held at Pulincunnoo, the heart ofKuttanadu ,10 km away from the Alleppey town in the memory of the Late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, the former Indian Prime Minister.Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race is held two weeks after the Nehru Trophy Boat Race during the month of August-September.This event Offers tremendous publicity potential, as about one lakhs people are witnessing it directly and many lakhs vicariously through print and visual medias.The race is conducted by the Rajiv Gandhi Trophy Boat Race club which is Registered No. 404/91 under the Charitable and Religious Societies Act and is nonprofit seeking body. In addition to the competitions, there will be an exhibition of ancient and traditional forms rowing such as “Vechupattu Thuzhachil” and “Karakkikuthu Thuzhachil” by three snake boats. These types of rowing which are now becoming extinct, will be an added attraction.Most of the boat races are organized by Government Officials with little public participation and a lot of red tapism is visible everywhere. . The trophy awarded to the winners named as Rajiv Gandhi Trophy was donated by former Chief Minster of Kerala Mr. K. Karunakaran. Processions of ornamented boats and water floats are held, besides the boat races.
Champakulam Boat Race
The Champakulam boat race is the initial race held during this season and has a tradition of more than 500 years. The annual traditional boat race begins in late June and early July. This festival is acknowledged as 'Moolam Vallamkali'. It is strongly connected to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. The race is carried out on the Moolam day in the Malayalam month Midhunam, the installation day of the deity at the Temple. On the day of the race, people, both locals and travellers from far off places, flock the river bank to enjoy the race. Venturous spirits will ensure a better vantage point by climbing the nearby trees. As the sun comes straight on top of all gathered, boats in various categories like thechundan (snake boat), veppu, iruttu kuthi, churulan and others from nearby regions assemble at the starting point of the race. Among these boats, the snake boats with its fascinating design catch the attention of all.Being the largest sporting event in the world, snake boat race is often considered as the ultimate test of endurance, speed and skill. As the oarsmen set the pace of their boats with oars striking the placid waters of River Pamba, it becomes a track on fire. Even Today the pageant is still re-enacted with the same enthusiasm and the charming beauty of the procession of boats decorated with colorful parasols and performing arts that greets the spectator before the race enchants one. The race proper is held in various stages for various categories of boats.The annual event of Snake boat race is celebrated on a grand scale with much enthusiasm and vigor that fills the air with joy and excitement.The snake boats are called so because of the huge sterns of these boats that looks like a hood of a cobra raised in anger.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is conducted on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, on the second Saturday of August every year. On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh people, including tourists from abroad for watching it. For the people of each village in Kuttanad, a victory at this race for their village boat is something to be celebrated for months to come. The most colorful water sport in Kerala, is conducted at PUNNAMADA LAKE in Alappuzha. The most prestigious and interesting event among the races is the competition of the "Chundan Vallam" or the snake boats. These majestic boats measuring a length of 30 to 60 metres (over 100 ft) with a raised prow, are quite impressive and can accommodate around 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen and 25 cheer leaders. The boats are well decorated with colourful trimmings and umbrellas during the race. Champakulam, Kavalam, Karichal, Jawahar Thayangari, Kallooparamban, Pacha, Pulincunnu, Nedubhagam, Cheruthana, Kandangari and Paippad are the chief competitors for the trophy. The huge boats racing through the blue backwaters is a spectacular sight. The venue is 5kms from Alappuzha railway station and a walk able distance from Alappuzha bus stand.
This race became a regular annual event after the visit of India's 1st prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952 to Alappuzha. He was so impressed with the impromptu race conducted on his behalf that he donated a Silver Trophy, which is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus, with the words "To the winner of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore - Cochin" inscribed on it. People from near and far swarm the banks of Punnamada Lake to enjoy this annual water regatta. Apart from the races of chundan valloms (snake boats) and of smaller country crafts, the event has in store many fascinating moments like the ceremonial water processions, spectacular floats and decorated boats.
Aranmula Boat Race
Boat Race Is Held at The Pamba River at Aranmula Temple. Palliyodams (Snake Boats) Aranmula are Conducting In Uthrittathi Vallamkali. Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya, Vanchipattu, are related to The Aranmula Boat Race. Also, the Thanka Anki (golden attire) for Ayyappa, donated by the king of Travancore, is stored here and taken to Shabarimala during the Mandala season (late December).Aranmula is also known for the watersports involving a spectacular procession of snake boats. It is also linked with legends from the Mahabharata.It is one of the most important Krishna temples in Kerala, the others being at Guruvayur, Trichambaram, Tiruvarppu and Ambalappuzha.Also, it is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the Mahabharata. The Chengannur temple is related to Yuddhishtra; the Tiruppuliyur temple to Bheema; Aranmula to Arjuna; Tiruvamundur to Nakula and Tirukkadittaanam to Sahadeva). It has been glorified by the Tamil hymns of Nammalwar of the 1st millennium CE. Legend has it that a devout Brahmin vowed to offer all the requirements for the thiruvona sadya (the grand traditional feast on the day of Thiruvonam) at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Once, the boat known as Thiruvona Thoni carrying these offerings was attacked by enemies. In order to protect the Thiruvona Thoni people from neighbouring areas sent their snake boats. Later on, this practice evolved into an offering to Lord Parthasarathy in the form of a snake boat race, held on the Uthrittathi day which eventually became popular as the Aranmula Boat Race.
Payippad Boat Race
The Payipad Boat Race is perhaps the oldest boat race of Kerala. The accurate historical evidence is not available. However, the tradition of the Payipad Boat Race is as old as the Haripad Sri Subrahmanya Swami Temple itself. The Haripad temple is believed to have been consecrated in the 16th Century. he oldest temple was about 5000years old.There was a 'Skandakumara" idol was installed in the temple. So the place name became KUMARA PURAM. Even now some areas of Haripad is called Kumarapuram. At that time the temple was under control of some famous Ooranma families, those are Chengarappally, Thazhoor, Kizhikulam and 20 other Karanma families. These families decided to construct a new big temple. The 'Sreekovil' was constructed by Ambakkaattu Family of Karichal Village. At that time elder members of the Ooranma families saw a dream in same night. The dream was an idol of Subrahmanya with 4 hands (Chathurbahu) is lying in Govindamuttom Lake(Kayamkulam). People of these families rushed to the place in a boat (Palliyodam) to find out the idol. They found a whirpool in the lake. Now the place is called Kandalloor (kanda nalla ooru). After finding the Idol(Vigrha), the people taken it to Nelppurakkadavu near Harippad in a boat, escorted by many boats(Palliyodam)rowed by the villages. In remembrance of this event a three day water festival is conducted each year.The race has the largest participation of snake boats after the Nehru Trophy boat race. Apart from the breathtaking race of the snake boats and other country boats the event is made more impressive by colourful water pageants.
President's Trophy Boat Race
The first meeting of the President’s Trophy Boat Race 2013 was held on 24-09-2013 under the Chairmanship of Sri. B. Mohanan IAS, District Collector at collectorate Kollam. The meeting was inaugurated by Sri. N. Peethambarakurup M.P., Sri. P.K. Gurudasan M.L.A, Sri. A.A. Aziz MLA, Smt. Prasanna Earnest, Hon’ble Mayor and many other dignitaries present at the meeting.The meeting unanimously constituted an Organizing Committee consisting of 501 members. The 3rd edition of the boat race is scheduled to be held on 1st November, 2013. The Organizing Committee constituted 25 sub-committees for the smooth and well conduct of the event. Vallam Kali held on the Ashtamudi lake in Kollam on November 1 every year in Kerala Piravi day.This is the most popular of the races to be held during the season of the harvest festival Onam in Autumn on ashtamudi lake in Kollam,the cashew paradise in Kerala.There would be races in five categories, namely Chundan Vallam (snake-boats), two grades of Veppu Vallam, and two grades of Iruttukuthi Vallam. Sixteen snake-boats would compete in four heats. There would be races in five categories, namely Chundan Vallam (snake-boats), two grades of Veppu Vallam, and two grades of Iruttukuthi Vallam. Sixteen snake-boats would compete in four heats.The trophy had been instituted in the name of the President of India. President of India will be present to witness the race and would also give away the trophy and cash prize to the winning team.