During the rainstorm season, Kerala comes alive with Onam celebrations. The heavy downpours bring out lush greenery. The famous Kerala Wind Pontoon Races happen in the region's beautiful backwaters and waterways. The Vallamkali Watercraft Race in Kerala is a top tourist draw. It attracts visitors from all over the world to the riverbanks. They come to cheer for skilled rowers as they glide through the water.
The Vallamkali Watercraft Race is famous worldwide, but it has some lesser-known facts and legends that make it even more interesting. Here a closer look at what makes the wind pontoon races in Kerala one of the most genuine team sports in the world.
What Is It All About?
The Kerala pontoon dashing celebration is an eagerly awaited event held in the monsoon season. It's also the time of the harvest celebration of Onam, which fills the whole state with a happy spirit.
The vessel celebration highlights lively vessels. They’re decorated with bright silk umbrellas and shining brass lights. They compete with one another, showcasing quality, teamwork, and skill.
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About 100 rowers usually propel the famous wind-water crafts in sync. They move to traditional tunes and drumbeats. The wind vessels, named for their long, snake-like shape, are great for paddling. Each watercraft has a helmsman, artists, and drummers to keep up strong coordination.
Winners of the wind pontoon race receive trophies and recognition. They also feel pride and respect for their town and community. The winner of the Nehru Trophy Kerala Watercraft Race gets the Nehru Trophy. This trophy is a silver model of a wind boat and is very prestigious.
The History Of The Race
Legend says the wind watercraft race started long ago. The head of the Katoor Mana, a Nambudiri family, stood by the Pamba waterway. He prayed to Ruler Krishna and waited for a poor man to pass by, hoping to help him fulfill his customs. Master Krishna took the form of a battered boy.
The Brahmin bathed and cared for him. Then, he vanished and later appeared at the Aranmulla Sanctuary. The Brahmin realized the boy was a god.
Every year, he is come back to the sanctuary with food and a fleet of wind vessels to guard the offerings. Wind Pontoons soon appeared in the stream as others joined in. Before long, the Wind Watercraft Race became a popular custom.
About The Wind Boat
The Vallamkali vessel is a traditional canoe-like boat. It was once the Watercraft of Kerala India. It is almost 100 feet long and can hold roughly 150 men. It has a long, slim wooden body. The twisted oars look like a cobra's hood. That's why it's called the Wind Watercraft.
Each town proudly claims its wind pontoon. The villagers maintain it year-round and decorate it with embellishments before the race. The decorations added to the pontoon symbolize the town's growth. The locals gather by the stream on race day to cheer for their team. Winning the race brings them pride.
Rituals of the Event
The real races begin after prayers are offered to Master Vishnu and Mahabali. Then, flowers from the Puja are placed in the boats. About 30 pontoons race on a 40-kilometer stretch of water. They are decorated with various embellishments. Each watercraft has 125 rowers.
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The other inhabitants are helmsmen and artists. The paddles sway to the rhythm of Vanchipattu. These traditional tunes blend with the sound of splashing water. Coordination among group members is crucial to prevent the vessel from tipping over.
The winning watercraft joins the Palliodam. This pontoon carries food along the riverbanks, following an old Onam tradition. It creates a serene scene in the beautiful landscape.
How To Witness A Wind Vessel Race?
Four major wind watercraft races and a few other minor ones are held each Storm in and around Alleppey. The most famous is the Nehru Trophy, held at the Punnamada Backwaters. It’s named after India’s first Prime Minister, who loved the boat races.
Other amazing races are the Champakkulam Moolam, the Payippad Jalotsavam, and the Aranmula Vessel Race. Alleppey, Kerala, has several homestays and farmstays. They provide comfort, food, and a glimpse of true Malayali culture. Visitors come to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Wind Vessel Race. These homes are great for soaking up local culture and enjoying traditional food.
The customs of the Vallamkali Vessel Race inspire locals. They support charity, care about their community, and respect the waters that bless their land. The Vallamkali Pontoon Race offers travelers a chance to dive into Kerala's vibrant culture.
The Social Impact of Vallam Kali
The social effect of Vallam Kali expands past the race itself. It's a time when traditions stay vibrant through customs and ceremonies. This includes planning watercraft and choosing rowers. The vessels are honored, and customs are followed to seek blessings for a successful race. This blends deep meaning with athletic spirit.
Vallam Kali has a big socio-economic impact. It draws visitors from around the globe. The event showcases Kerala's rich social heritage. It helps generate income and supports the local economy. The races also showcase the skill involved in boat-making.
Vallam Kali is everywhere during Onam. Malayalis abroad are even adding it to their celebrations. The Unused York Malayali Legacy Establishment is hosting a wind watercraft race.
It will take place on September 15, Thiruvonam day, at the lake near Dairy Animals Glade Stop. Other celebrations will also happen in the park garden. Some of the planned celebrations include:
Vadamvali (pull of war)
Chendamelam (traditional percussion)
Onasadhya
Pulikali
Pookkalams (flower carpets)
Conclusion
Watching the Vallam Kali competitions live is a great reason to visit Kerala during Onam. Join in cheering for the diverse boats racing through the state's backwaters.
You may also enjoy the tasty Onam Sadhya and other local celebrations while you're there. You can find many lavish hotels in Kerala. They offer cozy amenities for your stay.
