Aranmula Boat Race
The most famous Aranmula Snake Boat Race is conducted on the Uthrittathi day of the Malayalam month Chingom(August – September)in connection with the national festival of Onam. The two-day event is more a water fiesta than a competition connected with Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Palliyodams are Aranmula’s unique snake boats which belong to different ‘’karas’’ (rustic parts) on the banks of river Pampa. This boat race is held to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna on that day. The deity is supposed to be in all boats that take part in the carnival and all of them are expected to arrive at their destination simultaneously. Thus no element of competition in the Aranmula Boat Race as in other regattas held in the Kerala State. The race is not conducted to win any trophy or prize.
Starting with a colorful carnival with an imposing effigy of Lord Krishna is taken out in procession on the lake. The crew regard the occasion as one for rejoicing and merry- making and cheerfully row up and down the river to the tune of songs- Vanchipattu. Only men of the village are allowed to be in the boat. On the second day snake boats decorated with silken parasols, carrying helmsmen, oarsmen and singers assemble near the temple early in the morning and then move away in pairs, creating a magnificent pageant. The boat race is held in the afternoon.
Even though the festival is of Hindu origin and is associated with the Parthasarathi Temple, it is an all- community affair and participants include members of all classes and communities living in and around Aranmula.
The venue is at Aranmula, Pathanamthitta District, 10km from Chengannur railway station.
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Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple | Kerala Tourism
September 19, 2011