As I told you earlier, one of the most famous event which happens every year in Kerala is the boat races. There are different kinds of boats which are used for these races. The major among them all are the Snake boats, also called as “ Chundan Vallam” which is longest one than the others. The other boats which participate in this event are the “Churulan Vallam”, “Veppu Vallam”, Oodi Vallam etc…  

Among all the boats for race, snake boat is the longest boat and it is almost 100 to 120 feet long, also having a seating capacity of more than 100 rowers. The actual spirit of competition reaches the peak when the race of Snake boat’s starts, rather than the other boat’s race. In this region, each of the villagers owns their own boats, and each boat are named/ titled with their village names. During the earlier days each boats where been rowed by the strongest men in their own village. But later on as the spirit of competition and the money power increased, they started renting up different clubs where the people are especially dedicated for rowing. 

During the boat race time, both the banks of river will be crowded up with people from different villages, states, and even much foreigners. So, for making the boat  race event more entertaining, different types of programs like, music with drums (Shingari Mellam), speed boat adventures, helicopter adventures, different statues rallies  on boats etc.. will be organized during the breaks in between the race. Normally the boat races are rowed by the gents, but to spread the spirit and encourage women, show boat race of women’s are also conducted.

The boat races happens mainly during the period of June to September, mainly monsoon season. The boat races are named differently in each places where this event happens.

So I would like to share about the different boat race, which happens in Kerala, in my coming post…….