A panoramic view of tall coconut trees, snake boats, and pristine blue waters – no you’re not in the music video of Jiya Jale – you’re in Alappuzha!
This district in Kerala is where you’ll find some of the most breathtaking snake boat races in India, with the one in Champakulam, a village in Alappuzha being one of the oldest!
The Champakula Moolam Boat Race is an important vallam kali (snake boat race) in the Alappuzha district with an interesting backstory and cultural significance. Keep reading to know more!
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race 2025: Significance, History, And Attractions
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race 2025: When Is It
The season of boat races is all set to begin with the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race taking place on the Pampa River on July 9.
In 2025, the event will see 11 boats, including five snake boats compete in the Moolam Boat Race. The competition will take place under three categories – snake boat, Veppu’ A’, and Veppu’ B’-with tracks for each finalized.
In 2025, the grand event will be inaugurated by the Kerala Minister for Public Works Department and Tourism, Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas.
While the festival is mainly celebrated for religious observances, the Moolam Boat Race is a symbol of peace and harmony in ‘God’s Own Country’.
History Behind The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race 2025
There is an interesting, secular story behind this iconic boat race in Kerala dating back somewhere between the 1530s and 1540s.
It is said that the King of Chempakasseri was building a temple in Ambalappuzha when it was found that the idol to be placed there is inauspicious.
This prompted the king to look for its replacement immediately. Local priests helped him identify a suitable idol kept in the Karinkulam Temple in Kurichi. It is said that this idol was given to Mahabharata’s Arjuna himself by Lord Krishna.
After receiving the idol at the Karinkulam Temple, the king and his subjects set on a return journey but they had to halt at Champakulam in a Christian household of Mappilassery Itty Thommen.
The next day, the king returned to Ambalappuzha and consecrated the idol with a pompous fanfare. Pleased with the warm hospitality of the people of Champakulam, he declared that a great ‘water carnival’ will be held here each year on the Moolam day in the Malayalam month of Mithuna.
What Is The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race: Key Attractions And Snake Boats
The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is a fun festival that not only includes boat races but also cultural programs, dance performances, and vibrant festivities. A contagious blanket of joy, harmony, and camaraderie engulfs the village during this grand festival.
Each year, a group of dignitaries from Ambalappuzha visit the Mappilassery family with palpayasam. This sweet dessert is an auspicious offering at the Ambalappuzha temple and is also presented to the Mappilassery family as a token of appreciation.
After certain rituals and prayers, the Moolam Boat Race kicks off with grandeur, turning the entire village into a carnival of celebration!
Before the boat race begins, there are multiple water floats that are carried in a vibrant procession. The procession includes these floats decorated with religious symbols and artists performing on traditional music.
The boat race features elegantly built chundam vallams, or snake boats. These are slender and narrow and elegantly crafted using wood. The mere sight of so many synchronized hands rowing the massively slender boat is a sight that we bet you’ll not see anywhere else in India!
The Chundam Vallams: A Test Of Endurance And Teamwork
The boat races test the teamwork and synchronization of the participants as it is the combined effort of each one of them that decides the winning boat.
It is the ultimate test of endurance, speed, skill, and most importantly, team work and co-ordination. Participants undergo rigorous training for weeks and months before the actual race to prepare themselves for this day.
These boats aren’t your typical boats – they stretch for over 100 feet and feature elevated prows. To maintain balance and cut through the backwaters, team members must row continuously without stopping!
Spectators witnessing the boat race play drums and other traditional instruments to cheer the spirits of these participants, offering a sight that’s an audio-visual treat unlike anything else!
Summing Up
We hope you found this information about the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race super insightful!
These boat races are symbolic of the harmony among the people of Kerala and is a great way to bring communities closer together.
With an interesting lore and a centuries old tradition, these boat races are an important part of Kerala’s culture.
So, when are you packing your bags to attend this vibrant festival?
FAQs
In Which River Is The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race Held?
The Champakulam Boat Race is held on the Pampa River in Champakulam.
What Is The Snake Boat Race In Kerala Called?
The snake boat race in Kerala is known as the Vallam Kali. These boat races are a test of individual endurance as well as teamwork.
How Long Is The Kerala Snake Boat?
A typical Kerala snake boat can measure up to 100 feet long! These slender boats are an integral part of Kerala’s culture, especially during the snake boat races.
