Vallamkali Boat Race
Snake
boat race or the Vallamkali is amongst the most fascinated course of Onam
festival and since we understand
that carnival of Onam depicts the religious and cultural aspects of Kerala people thousands of locals gathers in to participate in snake boat race. Vallamkali over the year have drawn attention of millions of traveler and directly it act as a catalyst to support the growth of tourism in Kerala. Vallamkali every year grows in number and its colorful celebration and participation was encouraged by Jawaharlal Nehru who introduced a trophy for the race.
that carnival of Onam depicts the religious and cultural aspects of Kerala people thousands of locals gathers in to participate in snake boat race. Vallamkali over the year have drawn attention of millions of traveler and directly it act as a catalyst to support the growth of tourism in Kerala. Vallamkali every year grows in number and its colorful celebration and participation was encouraged by Jawaharlal Nehru who introduced a trophy for the race.
The Legend
Origin
of snake boat race owes it history to the mythological call that revolves
around the story of Katoor Mana. It is said that Kator Mana used to offer its
prayers to river Pamba. Following his schedule he waited for a poor man to
complete the rituals but he found no one.
Seeing such incident he closed his eyes and prayed to Lord Krishna and
soon he opened it after praying he witnessed ragged boy to whom he showed his
gentle hospitality and generosity.
It is said that the moment he finished his meal he disparaged and Brahmin tried all his effort to find the boy and eventually he found him near the gate of Aranmulla Temple. After going through such cosmic incident he was convinced that it was celestial and to tribute the deeds of the god he started carrying food to the Aranmulla Temple during the course of Onam and to preserve the food from the river brigand he employed Kovilans or snake to encounter the traitor.
It is said that the moment he finished his meal he disparaged and Brahmin tried all his effort to find the boy and eventually he found him near the gate of Aranmulla Temple. After going through such cosmic incident he was convinced that it was celestial and to tribute the deeds of the god he started carrying food to the Aranmulla Temple during the course of Onam and to preserve the food from the river brigand he employed Kovilans or snake to encounter the traitor.
When It Is Celebrated
The
carnival of snake boat racing is celebrated during the fifth day of Onam and it
is during this occasion travelers and devotee comes from all across the world
to witness the glides of Snake boat and to commemorate the deeds of Onam.
Where It Is Celebrated
The
grand snake boat race is celebrated within the estuary of river Pamba near
Aranmulla where the temple is dedicated to praise the omnipresence of Lord
Krishna.
How It Is Celebrated
During
the time of snake boat racing million of travelers walk from various
destinations of earth to support the race. While you come here you will witness
around 30 exquisitely designed snake boats. The boat race is carried out on a
stretch of 40km and the distance covers hills and low lying plain which makes
it difficult for the oarsmen to keep the momentum. All the oarsmen dress
themselves in white dhotis and turbans swing to the beat of Traditional songs
Vanchipattu.
The boat is guided by 15o men amongst which four are helsmen, 25 are assigned to sing a song and rest are designated to the post of oarsmen.
The boat is guided by 15o men amongst which four are helsmen, 25 are assigned to sing a song and rest are designated to the post of oarsmen.
Major Attraction of the Snake Boat Race
The
most outstanding feature and attraction of the race is team spirit of all the boats
men and while witnessing the event you will understand the importance of the
race and its harmony with nature.
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