Venue: At Harippad about 32 km from Alappuzha, south Kerala.
Date: June 28, 1999.
One of the most popular snakeboat races of Kerala, the Chambakkulam
Moolam Vallomkali is conducted on the Moolam day of the Malayalam
month of Mithunam (June/July). The exciting event breaks the tranquility
of the quiet backwater countryside which is fresh and green after
the monsoon showers. A hundred robust oarsmen man each snakeboat,
their powerful arms moving in unison to the rhythm of the Vanchippattu
(boatman's song). It's amazing to watch the 100 ft long snakeboats
knife through the waters scattering a mist of spray in their wake.
The snakeboats of Kerala are so called because of the raised prow
that resemble the hood of a snake. Thousands of people crowd the banks
to cheer the boatmen on. At least eight snakeboats participate in
the race. Kerala has numerous varieties of country crafts each one
designed for a particular purpose since time immemorial. There are
races for boats of every category right from the largest to the smallest
craft.
The boat races, more than competing events, are festivals in the
backwater country. The race proper is preceded by a ceremonial procession
of waterfloats, gaily decorated canoes with dance and music aboard
them, and the buzzing crowds...
Getting there: There are frequent boat services in the Alappuzha
- Edathua - Ambalappuzha route covering Kuttanad.
Nearest railway station: Harippad, about 12 km.
Nearest airports:Cochin International Airport, about 117 km; Thiruvananthapuram
International Airport, about 118 km.
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