Boat races have a strong connection with Kerala’s culture and tradition. The Champakkulam Boat race shows it perfectly, and it is the oldest Snake Boat Race in Kerala. This is one of the fascinating festivals in this god’s country and annually kicks off the boat race season. This festival is hosted by Pampa River in Champakkulam, a village in the Alappuzha district. This festival is generally celebrated in June or July, and the locals and tourists come to the town to witness this celebration. Massive boats splits the water during this festival gives your eyes an exhilarating experience.
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 the various festivals in Kerala, notable among which is the Champakkulam Boat Race.
Time to celebrate the Champakkulam Boat Race
The Champakkulam Boat Race is set to begin on July 12 this year. The festival, which is one of the most-awaited events in the calendar of Kerala, has an origin that dates back centuries in time. This spectacular snake boat race is held on the River Pampa on the day of the ‘moolam,’ which is followed according to the Malayalam month of Midhunam. The day is considered especially sacred as it was when the Deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple was installed.
Description Champakkulam Boat Race
The Champakulam Boat Race is held according to a legend firmly adhered to by the people of Kerala. According to the legend, the king of Chempakasseri in Devanarayana, provided to him by the royal priest, erected a temple in his kingdom under the influence of instructions. However, just before the installation, he was informed that the idol was not auspicious. So, 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. During this journey, the king made a stopover at Champakulam. The following day, thousands of boats assembled at the site in a riot of colors to honor the sacred event and escort the idol home. This scene is enacted in this part of the world every year and is known as the Champakkulam Boat Race.
