Natural beauty, spirituality, divine greenery and exotic wilderness altogether form the unique elements of Kerala. Life flourishes around the waterways in this state. Huge network of rivers, canals, lagoons and backwaters altogether make it the Venice in India. When it comes to the traditional adventure sports in Kerala, snake boat race is one of the oldest sports of the state and signifies the excellent team spirit, integration and amity among the people.
Overview
This water carnival is basically associated with Onam, the harvest festival celebrated in the month of August/September. Considered as the largest team sport in the world,this sport is preceded by colourful water parades. Huge boats are generally manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and about 100-125 oarsmen. Some of the major boat race events in Kerala are:
Nehru Trophy (named after the former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru) - organized in Allappey. Women can also participate in this race.
hampakulam Moolam (oldest and most popular snake boat race in Kerala; linked to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha)
Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali (two day competition followed by colourful performances and energetic procession of Sree Krishna)
Payippad Jalotsavam (celebrated on Payippad Lake, 35 km from Alappuzha; enjoyed with the installation of the deity at the Subramanya Swamy Temple, Haripad).
There are several other boat races which are quite popular in the state. Local Keralites are considered as addicts to festivities. Therefore they host one or the other festival every fortnightly. Majority of these interesting events are organized in the months of August - September.
Nehru Trophy (named after the former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru) - organized in Allappey. Women can also participate in this race.
hampakulam Moolam (oldest and most popular snake boat race in Kerala; linked to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha)
Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali (two day competition followed by colourful performances and energetic procession of Sree Krishna)
Payippad Jalotsavam (celebrated on Payippad Lake, 35 km from Alappuzha; enjoyed with the installation of the deity at the Subramanya Swamy Temple, Haripad).
There are several other boat races which are quite popular in the state. Local Keralites are considered as addicts to festivities. Therefore they host one or the other festival every fortnightly. Majority of these interesting events are organized in the months of August - September.
No comments:
Post a Comment