CHAMPAKUALM BOAT RACE
Chambakulam Boat Race (Chambakulam Jalotsavam)
1. Time and Venue
Month: The boat race takes place on the Moolam asterism (day) of the Malayalam month of Mithunam (which usually falls in June or July).
Venue: The event is held on the Chambakulam River, a tributary of the Pamba River located in Kuttanad, Alappuzha district.
2. History and Legend
The Chambakulam Boat Race has a history dating back over 400 years (beginning in the year 1545 AD). Its history is closely linked to the idol installation at the famous Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple:
Although the King of Chempakassery built a temple in Ambalappuzha, the idol brought for installation was found to be flawed (impure).
As a remedy, the King tasked his minister with bringing another ancient idol of Lord Krishna from the Kurichi Karikkulam temple.
On their return journey with the idol, night fell. For safety, they kept the idol at the house of a Christian dignitary named Mappilassery Itty Thommen in Chambakulam.
The following day (on the Moolam day), the King and the public accompanied the idol to Ambalappuzha in a grand water procession and completed the installation ceremony. Today's Chambakulam Boat Race is a commemoration of this historical event.
To honor this communal harmony, a special delegation from the Ambalappuzha temple still visits the Mappilassery family with Palpayasam (milk pudding) today. The boat race officially begins only after prayers are held there.
3. Rajapramukhan Trophy
In 1952, Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the then Rajapramukhan of Travancore-Cochin, visited to witness the boat race and instituted the Rajapramukhan Trophy for the Chundan Vallam (snake boat) that secured first place. Since then, the main competition has been held for this prestigious trophy.
4. Key Features
Colorful water processions, displays of traditional folk art forms on houseboats (Kettuvallams), and the thrilling race of snake boats synchronized to the rhythm of Vanchippattu (boat songs) make the Chambakulam Boat Race incredibly captivating. Signaling the onset of Kuttanad's festive season, tens of thousands of people, including foreign tourists, gather on the banks of the Pamba River to witness this magnificent water regatta.
