Kerala, with its winding stretches of backwaters, is famous for its native boat races held in different parts of the State in the harvest season. The Champakulam boat race is the first race during the season and has a tradition of centuries.The Champakulam Boat Race, also known as the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, is one of the oldest and most popular snake boat races in Kerala, India
The festivities include spectacular water floats, decorated boats, Vanchipattu - the song of the oarsmen and the most thrilling Chundanvallom race. Chundans are a category of boats over 100 feet in length with raised prows. The foreign rulers first called them snake boats. The traditional annual boat race of Kerala begins in late June and early July at Champakulam. This festival is known as Moolam Vallamkali. Moolam signifies a Malayalam asterism (star or Nakshathram), Moolam of the month Mithunam.
Ancient Tradition
- Oldest Boat Race: The Champakulam Boat Race is considered one of the oldest and most traditional boat races in Kerala, with its origins tracing back to 1545 AD.
Legendary Origins
- Installation of the Idol: The race is linked to a significant historical and religious event – the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple. According to legend, the Maharaja of Chempakasseri Devanarayana found the idol at the Karikulam temple in Kurichi, but astrologers deemed the idol inauspicious. A new idol was obtained from the Karikulam temple and transported via the Pampa River.
- Champakulam Stopover: During the transportation, the boat carrying the idol stopped overnight at Champakulam. The villagers offered their assistance and hospitality, leading to the establishment of a tradition to commemorate this event.
- First Race: The king, to honor the cooperation and goodwill of the Champakulam villagers, organized a boat race, which has continued annually since then.
Cultural Heritage
- Royal Patronage: The boat race received royal patronage, which helped in maintaining and nurturing this tradition over centuries.
- Symbol of Unity: Historically, the event symbolizes unity and cooperation among the local communities, reflecting the collective spirit and harmonious coexistence prevalent in Kerala society.
Annual Event
- Moolam Day: The race is held annually on the Moolam day of the Malayalam month Midhunam, which generally falls in June or July. This timing is significant as it aligns with the start of the monsoon season, when the backwaters are full, and the landscape is lush and green.
Preservation of Tradition
- Cultural Preservation: The race has helped in preserving traditional boat-building techniques and rowing practices. The design and construction of the snake boats, known as "Chundan Vallam," involve skills passed down through generations.
- Tourism and Economy: Over the years, the Champakulam Boat Race has evolved into a major tourist attraction, promoting Kerala's cultural heritage and boosting the local economy.
Legends say that Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri, as instructed by the royal priest, built a temple at Ambalappuzha. But just before the installation of the deity he was informed that the idol was not auspicious. The king was disturbed, but his minister suggested an inspired solution. To bring down the beautiful idol of Sree Krishna - presented to Arjuna by the Lord himself, from the Karikulam temple in Kurichi. The minister with a few others went to Kurichi, met the authorities there and returned with the idol.On the way back they stopped at Champakulam to spent the night and perform a pooja. The next morning boats from the entire region assembled to escort the idol in a colourful, ceremonial procession through the lake to the Temple. Years later the pageant is still re-enacted with the same enthusiasm. An exotic procession of water floats, boats decorated with colourful parasols and performing arts greets the spectator before the race. The race proper is held in various stages for various categories of boats.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें