Information about Champakulam Boat Race 2024

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About Champakulam Boat Race

EventChampakulam Boat Race
LocationChampakulam
StateKerala
CategoryFestival
DateJun 22, 2024
Main AttractionThe oldest snake boat race ever known with extremely long country boats is the main attraction.
Overview/HistoryKerala and its zigzag backwaters are famous for its local boat races held in various parts of the State during the harvest season. 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.

As per legend, Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri constructed a temple at Ambalappuzha as instructed by the royal priest. However just before the deity installation he was informed that the deity wasn't auspicious. The king was troubled, but his minister suggested a solution to bring down the beautiful idol of Sree Krishna from the Karikulam temple in Kurichi. The minister along with few others went to Kurichi and returned with the idol. While returning they stopped at Champakulam to spent the night and carry out a puja. Next morning from the entire region, boats gather to accompany the idol in a colorful ceremonial procession to the Temple.
CelebrationThe celebrations include magnificent water floats and decorated boats, the songs of the oarsmen called Vanchipattu and the most exciting Chundanvallom race. Chundans are type of boats that are over 100 feet long with elevated prows. They were first referred as snake boats by the foreign rulers. With over five hundred years of tradition the pageant is still carried out with the same enthusiasm. The striking procession of water floats, decorated boats with vibrant parasols and performing arts welcomes the spectator before the race. The race is held in a variety of stages for different categories of boats. The race is considered as the ultimate test of endurance, speed and skill and rowers undergo rigorous training for several days before participating in the race.




Last Updated on : January 03, 2024

     


     



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