Aranmula Vallamkali is a famous boat race held in the state of Kerala, India. It is part of the annual Onam festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm and tradition. Here's an overview:
Key Aspects of Aranmula Vallamkali:
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Location:
- The boat race takes place on the Pampa River in the village of Aranmula, which is located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.
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Date:
- Aranmula Vallamkali is held on the Uthrittathi day during the Onam festival, which usually falls in August or September.
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Type of Boats:
- The race features the famous "Palliyodams," which are traditional snake boats. These boats are around 100 feet long and are shaped like a snake, with a raised prow and stern.
- Each boat is rowed by around 100 oarsmen, making it a spectacular sight.
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Religious Significance:
- The event has deep religious significance and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and the deity of the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.
- According to legend, the boats were used to carry offerings to the temple, and the race symbolizes the effort to protect these offerings from thieves.
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Cultural Importance:
- The Aranmula Vallamkali is not just a competitive event but a grand display of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. The oarsmen sing traditional songs called "Vanchipattu" in sync with the rowing, adding to the festive atmosphere.
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Tourist Attraction:
- The event attracts thousands of spectators, including tourists from around the world, who come to witness the grandeur and excitement of the race.
Aranmula Vallamkali is a unique blend of culture, religion, and festivity, making it a key highlight of Kerala's traditional events during the Onam festival.
Vallamkali refers to the boat race competition that is held during the last two days of the festival. The participants, who are trained to row these boats, compete not merely for winning the competition but to celebrate the anniversary of the Sri Krishna idol installation, the main deity at the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple. As according to history Lord Krishna crossed river Pamba, the race is conducted on the Pamba River in front of the temple to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna.This annual event attracts tourists from all over the world. The snake boats that participate in this colorful carnival are called Palliyodams. The structure of these boats resemble snakes and are about 100 feet in length, with its front tapering, hood raised and the rear portion towering to a height of about 20 ft. During the races, about 39 to 41 of such boats participate in the event each accommodating about 120 people including oarsmen, singers and helmsmen. Colorful flags are fixed at the head of the boat and the colorful parasols at the center make it a spectacular show of pageantry too.
The celebration of Aranmula Vallamkali is a grand and vibrant event, deeply rooted in Kerala's cultural and religious traditions. Here's how the celebration unfolds:
The Atmosphere
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The entire village of Aranmula and the surrounding areas come alive with excitement and energy. The banks of the Pampa River are lined with thousands of spectators, including locals and tourists.
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The river itself is adorned with beautifully decorated snake boats (Palliyodams), each representing different villages.
Procession to the River
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The celebration begins with a ceremonial procession, where the Palliyodams are taken to the river. This procession is accompanied by the chanting of hymns and traditional music, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.
Boat Race
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The highlight of the celebration is the boat race. The snake boats, each manned by around 100 oarsmen, glide through the water in a synchronized manner, creating a spectacular sight.
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The oarsmen sing traditional Vanchipattu songs, which are rhythmic and motivating, keeping the rowers in sync as they race towards the finish line.
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The race itself is not just about speed but also about grace, rhythm, and teamwork. While it is competitive, the event is seen more as a display of unity and tradition rather than just a contest.
Religious Rituals
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The event is closely tied to the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, and several rituals are performed before and after the race.
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Offerings are made to Lord Krishna, the deity of the temple, and the race is believed to symbolize the efforts of the devotees to protect these offerings.
Cultural Programs
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In addition to the race, there are various cultural programs held in the village, including performances of traditional Kerala art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and classical music concerts.
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These programs provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Community Involvement
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The celebration is a community event, with people from different villages coming together to participate. It fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie among the participants and spectators alike.
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Local cuisine is an integral part of the celebration, with traditional Kerala dishes being served to the visitors.
Tourist Experience
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For tourists, Aranmula Vallamkali offers a unique experience of Kerala's traditions. Special arrangements are often made for visitors, including boat rides to watch the race up close, guided tours of the temple, and cultural experiences.
A series of songs called "Vanchipattu" are sung throughout the races, while group of men row up and down the River. Decorated silk banners and golden umbrellas are carries along with the participants that provide a mystical environment to the festival of Aranmula Vallamkali. Palliyoda Seva Sangam is the main organizer behind the annual water festival. Over the years even the Central Tourism Ministry has been providing financial assistance for preserving and promoting this legendary snake boat race, believed to be in existence for the past 1,000 years.
Traditionally, it is commanded by a Kaarnavan / Karanaadhan (Village leader) with First Adanayampu and under him there will be 3 main oarsmen who control the movement of the boat along with 12 feet long main rudder-oar (Adanayampu). Sitting two in row along the length of the Boat there will be the oarsmen, they row in rhythm of the vanchipattu (boatman s song). Standing on the platform in the middle of the boat, the main singer will lead the vanchipattu. A few singers will be with the main leader while others will stand at the middle between the oarsmen.
नौका दौड़ का इतिहास हिंदी में पढ़ने और इसके वीडियो देखने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें