Ride the Tides: The Heart-Pounding Thrills of Kerala’s Boat Races
Kerala is the only state in India that offers water sports, wildlife, houseboats, backwaters, beaches, and waterfalls. Kerala’s main water sport is snake boat racing. Boat racing is not just a sport but also a traditional festival that is limited to the religious community of Kerala, India. Though their origins are in religion, the Kerala boat races have historically served as a tool for conflict resolution or rivalry between two opposed communities. The finest time to visit Kerala for visitors and sports fans is during the boat races held during temple festivals every month of the year. The majority of the boat races take place on Kerala’s backwaters, serving as a bridge between celebration and sports. Thus, book direct flights to Cochin from USA and get ready to experience the heart-pounding thrills of Kerala’s boat races.
What is the Snake Boat Race?
The Snake Boat Race, sometimes called the Kerala Boat Race, is more than just a recreational or athletic competition. It symbolizes the happiness of the Keralities and perfectly captures their sense of community and camaraderie. It’s a way for the people to thank the land and the water for supporting them and helping them succeed.
The long snake boats are similar to the canoe boats you find on rivers and beaches. But they seem incredibly beautiful because of the way their ends twist like a snake and the unearthly ornamentation. They are called “Chundanvallams” in Malayalam.
Each boat represents about 25 vocalists, 4 navigators, and 100-125 men rowing the structure. The “boat song,” or “Vanchipattu,” is sung by the gifted vocalists on board and by the onlookers while the men paddle in unison. This boosts the spirits of the rowers and adds to the fantastic festive mood.
To catch a peek at the contending champions during the Kerala Boat Race, you’ll need to elbow your way in and secure a seat on the backwater banks. There will be a big crowd on this specific day. Also, you can visit Flyopedia to book cheap flight tickets to India from USA.
Which is the Famous Kerala Boat Race?
1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race commemorates Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who rose to prominence as India’s first prime minister. The annual event, which generally takes place on the 2nd Saturday in August, emphasizes a huge number of visitors. There is a charming legend associated with this Kerala Boat Race. When Nehru visited Alappuzha in 1952, the first race was held to provide him with a glimpse of the local customs. He was so engrossed in the proceedings that he jumped onboard the winning boat despite the security procedures! He rode to the jetty and talked to the champs.
Subsequently, the former PMO sent Kerala a Silver Trophy in the shape of a snake boat as a token of appreciation for the state’s unity and way of life. This trophy is carried from the winning snake boat or team to the following one each year. The trophy is the same.
2. Champakulam Kerala Boat Race
The Champakulam Boat Race is one of the oldest snake boat races in God’s Own Country. Maharaja Devanarayana was permitted by the imperial priests to establish a shrine in 1545 AD and install an effigy of Lord Krishna therein. When the imported idol was first deemed unlucky, it was changed out for a holy one from the Karinkulam Temple. After being transported in a stunning boat procession, the holy statue was erected by the King, his court, and the locals. The entire state of Kerala organizes and celebrates this occasion with the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race.
On the day of the race, people gather and greet one another. Lord Krishna serves a huge feast that includes traditional food and his offering of “prasadam.” Not till after this will the race begin with thousands of people cheering on their favorite snake boat. This is one of the boat races that take place before the commencement of Chingam month.
3. Aranmula Kerala Boat Race
The Aranmula Boat Race is dedicated to the god Krishna and takes place in the Sree Parthasarathy Temple in Aranmula. The Pamba River serves as the venue for this event, which is held on “Palliyodams,” which are snake boats. They are slightly different in design from the snake boats competing in the Champakulam Boat Race and Nehru Trophy. These incredible boathouses are made from nearby bamboo, and people believe that Lord Krishna himself served as the inspiration. According to tradition, God appeared on the shores of Aranmula in the form of a raft made up of six bamboo poles placed next to each other. Furthermore, you can check out Flyopedia.ca to grab the cheapest flights from Canada to India.
4. Payippad Jalotsavam / Payippad Snake Boat Race
During the three-day Payippad Jalotsavam, the rowers enthrall the spectators with their fierce paddling! According to an ancient tradition, a vision told the residents of a small rural community to row their boats in the direction of an impending storm. They set out on their snake boats after gathering the courage, and they spotted an idol of Lord Subramanya! Believing it to be a gift from God, they placed the statue in a lucky spot and kept praying to God for prosperity and good health.
A three-day ceremony is organized every year to honor the installation of the idol, and boats from different villages in Kerala participate. This is the greatest boat race in Kerala, and you should attend because of the competitors’ strong sense of teamwork and the enthusiastic audience!
To Sum Up
Everyone is enthralled with Kerala and finds it difficult to break their spell. Being in the middle of nature and witnessing so many people congregate to take part in an event is an odd sensation. More than just a sporting event, the boat races provide a forum for Keralites to showcase unity and harmonious cohabitation. For numerous individuals, witnessing this magnificence is an incredible opportunity! So, book your cheapest business class flights to India from USA with Flyopedia and experience adrenaline-pumping boat races in Kerala.
Also Read: Mararikullam – Complete Travel Guide To India’s Best Backwaters Village
