Vallam Kali is a hindu traditional boat race in kerala. Every year It is mainly conducted during the season of the harvest festival onam.The boats participating in the race are primarily 'Chundanvallom' or snake boats that are 100-120 feet long.The Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali or Aranmula Boat Race is the most ancient and revered boat races of Kerala.Vanchipattu is the form of poetry in Malayalam language used during vallam kali.
The Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali or Aranmula Boat Race is the most ancient and famous boat race in Kerala, the south western State of India is held during Onam (August–September)
Aranmula is a heritage village lies in the banks of the river Pampa in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. Legend says that a devout Brahmin promised to provide all the requirements for the Thiruvona Sadya (feast held on the Thiruvonam asterism). These were to be delivered to Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple in a boat called the Thiruvona Thoni. The boat was attacked by enemy factions during its voyage. However, snake boats from the surrounding area came to its rescue and it is from here that the grand tradition of the special snake boat race in the area was born. The snake boat race in itself is an offering to Lord Krishna of Sree Parthasarathy Temple.
In 1972, snake boat races were also added to the program of the festival. Thousands of people gather on the banks of the river Pampa to watch the snake boat races. In 2009 forty one snake boats or chundan vallams had participated in the festival. The oarsmen sing traditional boat songs and wear white mundu and turbans. The golden lace at the head of the boat, the flag and the ornamental umbrella at the center make it a show of pageantry too.
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