Aranmula Boat Race |Aranmula Boat Race in Kerala

Venue: Pampa Lake, Aranmula (District Pathanamthitta) Kerala
Highlights: As many as 30 boats participate in the snake boat race
Time: August/September (During the Onam festival)
Other Attractions: Parthasarthy temple (dedicated to Lord krishna), metal Mirrors, Murals
How to Reach Aranmula: Nearest Railway Station- Chengannur(11 Km), Cochin and Trivandrum airports are about 130 Km

Aranmula boat race is one the most popular events in Kerala.Aranmula Boat Race in Kerala, Boat Race Aranmula in Kerala, Aranmula Boat Race, Boat Race Aranmula, Boat Race in Aranmula, Boat Race in Kerala It is one event where one can see the true meaning of friendly rivalry. In Kerala, Aranmula boat race is celebrated on the last day of the 7-day long Onam festival. The Aranmula boat race of Kerala is held at Sri Parthasarathy temple where thousands of people assemble to cheer up for the participants of the boat race.

The snake boats are usually 100 feet long, that have a tapering end, which stands up like a scorpion's tail. It is capable of accommodating more than 100 people. Aranmula Boat Race in Kerala, Boat Race Aranmula in Kerala, Aranmula Boat Race, Boat Race Aranmula, Boat Race in Aranmula, Boat Race in Kerala There are usually around 100 oarsmen, 20 singers and 4 helmsmen on a single boat. The objective of the race is not winning a trophy.

The boats have keep up with each other's speed and try to reach the finish line simultaneously. This promotes healthy attitude among people and everyone enjoys while cheering and watching the boatmen trying to keep up with each other. Aranmula Boat Race in Kerala, Boat Race Aranmula in Kerala, Aranmula Boat Race, Boat Race Aranmula, Boat Race in Aranmula, Boat Race in Kerala The boats are beautifully decorated and ornamented with red silk umbrellas. It is basically the time to enjoy and spread cheer.

The boat race in Aranmula is held on the River Pampa. A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna is located at Aranmula. The boat race takes place in the vicinity of this Parthasarathy temple. Aranmula Boat Race in Kerala, Boat Race Aranmula in Kerala, Aranmula Boat Race, Boat Race Aranmula, Boat Race in Aranmula, Boat Race in Kerala The banks of the Pampa River are overcrowded with people who are keen on witnessing this impressive event.

The small hamlets on the banks of the Pampa Rivers are the contestants of this boat race. But it would be more appropriate to term it as part of festive celebrations rather than as a competition. It is true that that winning does bring a lot of joy to the villagers but there is no fierce rivalry between them.

4 helmsmen, 100 oarsmen and 25 singers are seen in these 100 ft long snake boats or Chundan Vallams. The atmosphere is simply exhilarating when these boats start moving to reach the finishing line. The songs as well as the shouts and cheers fill the air. The joyous excitement of the crowd reaches its high water mark.

It is indeed a visual treat to watch the ornamentally decorated boats racing through the water. They are beautifully adorned with golden laces, colorful flags and opulently decorated umbrellas. The rowers are also dressed in the same attire – spotlessly white dhotis and turbans.

 

Kerala Fairs and Festivals
Onam	Thiruvonam
Aranmula Boat Race	Maha Shiv Ratri
Arthunkal Perunnal	Easter