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Boat Race:: |
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is in the months of August and September that the moist, rain-drenched
earth and the glorious everflowing backwaters burst into song
together, as over hundred thousand men and women gather on
the banks to witness a spectacular water regatta - the SNAKE
BOAT RACES. Boat race crews begin to practice for the
race months before the great day. They live together, eat
together, toil together to work themselves into a smooth,
co-ordinated team. |
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A
splendid procession unfolds with all types of 'Kali-Vallangal'
or RACING BOATS, led by the largest and the most majestic
of them, the 'Chundan'. Its rowers sing songs known as ' Vanchi
pattu ' to the rhythm of the oars - a feast for the eyes and the
ears. The largest of the 'Chundan' boats the length of which varies
between a hundred and a hundred and thirty feet can seat a hundred
and twenty rowers, sixty on each side. Like the neck of an angry
snake it curves to a height of fifteen to twenty feet. The prow
is pointed and stands four feet above the water with its glistening
brass embellishments. The main steerman of the boat stands on
the amaram with specially made long oars. The efficiency with
which they handles the oar is what establishes the speed of the
boat and its balance. They claim that a single strong plunge of
the oar into the water can take the boat three leaps forward to
a distance of thirsty feet.
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On
boat race day, the 'Chundan Valloms' as the greatest racing boats
are called -are slicked down with a special oil to make them glide
effortlessly through water. The crews then visit a shrine carrying
the stroke and largest steering oar with them. And having offered
prayers to the Almighty, they are now ready to war with their
fellow men. The air crackles with excitement as the best of the
130 feet Chundan Valloms, each manned by over a hundred rowers,
fly through the waters at break neck speed, egged on by the fierce
competitive spirit that marks the event and the spectators lusty
roars.
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The most famous of these is the NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE
on the Second Saturday of every August There are a dozen other
Snake Boat Races. The latest addition is the one in connection
with the GREAT ELEPHANT MARCH held on 19th of January every year.
'Champakkulam', 'Kavalam', 'Karichal', 'Jawahar Thayangari', 'Kallooparamban',
'Pacha', 'Pulinkunnu', 'Nadubhagam', 'Cheruthana', 'Kandangari'
and 'Paippad' are the chief competitors for the trophies. Large
and spectacular 'chundans' glide towards the finishing line like
meteors in the sky with water splashing violently on both sides
like streaks of lightning. An unforgettable and truly special
scene. The fund of energy, spirit of competition and unerring
co-ordination makes this sport one of the most dynamic.
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| Payippad
Vallamkali
Held in memory of the 'Prathista' ceremony of Haripad Subramanya
Temple and therefore has a religious significance. Payipad Boat
Race is celebrated for three days, commencing from the 'Onam' festival
day. Snake boat processions are taken out on the first two days.
The competitive boat-race takes place on the third day. |
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Boat Races are |
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.Tourism Boat Race, 11th January connected with Great Elephant
March.
.Pulimkunnu, Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, August Last Saturday
.Champakulam Race, June-July Connected with the Asterism "Moolam"
of Midhunam,(malayalam month).
.Neerattupuram Boat Race, August-Sept. conducted during Onam days.
.Chettikulangara, Kettukazhcha, February-March
.Thiruvalla, Pamba Boat Race
.Haripad, Karuvatta Boat Race
.Mannar Boat Race .'Kettukazhcha'
is very famous and it is a procession of tall decorated structures
in chariots in which effigies of horses, bullocks are displayed.
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