Champakkulam Boat Race Festivals - ചമ്പക്കുളം ബോട്ട് രാസ്

Home to a culture that is considered to be one of the richest cultures in the world, Kerala is one of the best kept secrets of India. A culture in which the heritage of the land is proudly preserved in the hearths and hearts of all the people of the land, a study into the culture of Kerala is a fascinating tale of natural beauty coupled with an ancient heritage. Perhaps no other aspect of the heritage of Kerala exhibits it as much as do the various festivals in Kerala, notable among which is the Champakkulam Boat Race.

The Champakulam Boat Race is held in accordance to a legend which is strongly adhered to by the people of Kerala. According to the legend, the king of Chempakasseri in Devanarayana, under the influence of instructions, provided to him by the royal priest erected a temple in his kingdom. However, just before the installation, he was informed that the idol was not auspicious. To make amends, the king brought the idol of Sree Krishna from the Karikulam temple in Kurichi, which legend claimed was handed over to Arjuna by Lord Krishna himself. It was during this journey that the king made a stop over at Champakulam. The next morning saw thousands of boats assembled at the site in a riot of colours in order to honour the sacred event and to escort the idol home.

It is this scene which is enacted in this part of the world every year and which is known as the Champakkulam Boat Race.

Time for Celebrating Festivals

The Champakkulam Boat Race begins during the period which is generally considered to start from June 30th. The festival, which is one of the most-awaited events in the calendar of Kerala, has an origin which dates back to centuries in time. This spectacular snake boat race is held on the River Pampa on the day of the "moolam", which is followed in accordance to the Malayalam month of Midhunam. The day is considered to be especially sacred as it is the day when the Deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple was installed.

Champakkulam "Moolam Vallamkali"

The boat race season in Kerala commences in June- July with the Champakkulam boat race. The race popularly known as the 'Moolam Vallamkali ' is held in the waters of the Champakkulam river at Champakulam, about 26 km from Alappuzha. Moolam signifies a Malayalam asterism (star ) of the Malayalam month of Mithunam (June- July). The boat race is held in remembrance of the installation of the famous idol of Lord Krishna in the Amabalapuzha Sree Krishnaswamy Temple brought from the Karinkulam temple in Kurichi near Kottayam. One of the most popular boat races of Kerala, the highlights of the water festival are a ceremonial procession on the water, spectacular water floats, decorated boats, and of course, the race of the majestic ' Chundanvalloms' or Snake boats.. so called because the stern resembles the raised hood of a snake), each 100 feet long, on the waters of river Champakkulam accompanied by the songs of the oarsmen known in local dialect as 'Vanchipattu'.