Aranmula Uthrittathi
Jalolsavams evoke the waves of enthusiasm in the minds of Southern Keralites.
its history is flirting with, paddling with river gods.
Down the years the boat race has accrued sporting value and tourism importance.
For ages, Keralites have cherished a reverential attitude to rivers. It is the
apt time for Keralites to hold the Jalotsavam (water-carnivals). Boat race is
in a way a display of physical might of the people who forget their differences
in partaking of this sport.
The famous snake boat carnival on the Pampa, held annually at Aranmula on the
day of Uthrittathi asterism, in connection with the Onam festival is to commemorate
the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna on that day. The deity is supposed
to be in all the boats that take part in the carnival and all of them are expected
to arrive a t their destination simultaneously. There is thus no element of
competition in the Aranmula Boat Race as in other regattas held in this district
and elsewhere. The race is not conducted to win any trophy or prize. The crew
regards the occasion as one for rejoicing and merry-making and cheerfully row
up and down the river to the tune of songs.
The people of Central Travancore and special boats and buses ply to carry the
people to witness the event. During the races, the banks of the river on either
side, for a distance of about three kilometers, would be thronged with millions.
In recent years, the festival attracts spectators from all parts of the world.
The Valla Sadya is an important vazhipadu (offering) in the temple on this occasion.
The snake boats at the Aranmula regatta present an enchanting as well as imposing
spectacle. They are of extraordinary shape. About 100 ft. long, the end of the
boat is curving upwards with the front portion tapering gradually. The rear
portion would be towering to a height of about 20 feet. The boats resemble snakes
with their hoods raised. Crews of over hundred men vying to win the coveted
trophy, attract spectators from all over. The occupants carry banners and ornamental
umbrellas of silk and gold. It is doubtful whether there is any other national
festival resplendent with such an aura of spiritual devotion, endearing friendship,
sportsman spirit, majesty and rapturous delight as the Aranmula boat race.
Similar Snake-boat races are organized at Champakkulam and Paippadu in Kuttanad,
the rice bowl of Kerala, during the Onam days.
Festivals of Kerala › Onam
- The National Festival of Kerala › Thrissur
Pooram › Easter › Aranmula
Uthrittathi
