Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in Kerala. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. It is the largest team sport in the world, usually a snake boat is manned by 4 helmsmen, 10 singers and 100-125 oarsmen, who row in unison to the fast rhythm of vanchipattu (song of the boatman).
Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish. The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs. The snake boat races are preceded by colorful water parades The snake boat races are mainly conducting at alleppey between July and October month, a few boat races are organizing in Kottayam and Kollam also.
Aranmula Uthrattadi Boat Race - Vallamkali during Onam on August/September.
The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race at Champakulam Lake in Alappuzha on July
Payippad Jalotsavam at Payippad Lake in Alappuzha on August
Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish. The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs. The snake boat races are preceded by colorful water parades The snake boat races are mainly conducting at alleppey between July and October month, a few boat races are organizing in Kottayam and Kollam also.
Major Events
Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha on 2nd Saturday of AugustAranmula Uthrattadi Boat Race - Vallamkali during Onam on August/September.
The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race at Champakulam Lake in Alappuzha on July
Payippad Jalotsavam at Payippad Lake in Alappuzha on August
Other small Boat Races
- Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, Pulinkunnu,
- Neerettupuram Boat Race,
- Kumarakom Boat Race,
- Karuvatta Boat Race,
- Kavanattinkara Boat Race,
- Kumarakom Arpookara Vanitha Jalamela,
- Kottayam Mahatma Boat Race,
- Thazhathangadi Boat Race,
- Kottapuram Boat Race,
- Kumaranasan Smaraka Jalotsavam, Pallana,
- The Indira Gandhi Boat Race.
- Kannettil Boat race, Kollam,
- Munroe Island boat race, Kollam,