Aranmula Vallamkali, also known as the Aranmula Boat Race, is a traditional snake boat race held annually in the village of Aranmula in Pampa river Kerala. This boat race is a significant part of Kerala’s culture and is deeply rooted in the religious and social traditions of the region.
The Aranmula Boat Race usually takes place during the Onam festival season in Kerala, which typically falls in August or September. On Thiruvonam day people of Kerala celebrate it with a feast. Aranmula celebrations begin with the arrival of Thiruvonathoni (special boats) from Kattoor. It is considered that ‘’Uthrittathi’’ day is the anniversary of the installation of the idol consecrated in the south, by Pandavas. So on that day, there will be a Snake boat regatta in front of the Aranmula temple.
The majestic snake-boats that take part in the event dedicated to Lord Parthasarathy (Lord Krishna) are known as palliyodams. These beautifully decorated boats will have men holding sequined parasols and they reach the race course to the accompaniment of traditional songs by the oarsmen onboard the snake-boats. Aranmula boat race is often termed as the pooram festival among boat races.
Every year the boats are oiled mainly with fish oil, coconut shell, and carbon to keep the wood strong and the boat slippery in the water. The village carpenter carries out annual repairs and people take pride in their boat, which is named after and represents their village.
Another important event is the Aranmula Vallasadya (banquet). It is served to the oarsmen of snake boats at the Parthasarthy temple premises and at nearby dining hall and auditorium. it starts in mid July (karkitakam) and will last till September( kanni month). For this mega feast as many as 50,000 people from different parts of the state took part. Rice with 68 side dishes were served at the Sadya on banana leaves including the following side dishes. Valla sadya is performed with a strict style. First, one who offers the feast has to invite the karanathan. On the day he has to put two ‘nirapara’s down the ‘kodimaram’ flag post, with betel, and tobacco and areca nut. Around 11 o’clock the boat people will come in the decorated boat with vallapattu. They are welcomed with thalappoli and these offerings, and are marched with rhythmic slogans first in front to the god and then to the separate hall arranged for the feast. They are treated with whatever they ask, and after the feast they are sent back following up to the river.
The Aranmula Boat Race attracts a large number of tourists and visitors from around the world. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur of Kerala’s boat racing traditions.
