Champakulam Boat Race

Held in the month of June, the Champakulam boat race kicks off the month-long boat festival in Kerala. It takes place on the moolam day in the month of Midhunam and coincides with Onam celebrations. This race is the oldest as well as the most well-known snake race in Kerala. It takes place in the Champakulam Lake in Alappuzha.

Champakulam boat race is held with a lot of pomp and glory. It has a tradition that goes back a long time. The festivities include marvelous water floats, boats adorned with colorful umbrellas and Vanchipattu, the song of the oarsmen. However, the most breathtaking part of it is the Chundanvallom race. Chundans are a special kind of boat over 100 feet in length with raised prows.

In the boat race a boat is held by four rudders, 25 singers and 100-125 oarsmen who row in harmony to the fast cadence of the Vanchipattu, the song of the boatmen. Thousands of local people assemble to witness the spectacular event. Every year this boat race draws a large number of tourists from all over the world, too. Champakulam boat race along with the other boat races form an integral part of Kerala's rich tradition of folk arts.

Important Information about Champakulam boat race:

Date: 30 June 2007

Venue: Champakulam Lake, Kerala, India

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