Here are 3 compelling reasons to visit Kerala – Ayurveda because the body pores are the most receptive to the therapies, the Harvest Festival of Onam for its sheer culinary delight, and the Boat Races, the Water Olympics of God’s Own Country. Locally known as Vallam Kalli, the Boat Races of Kerala is perhaps the most vigorous, prestigious, and community-oriented water sports in India. During August and September, there are about 47 boat races conducted in Kerala in uniquely designed boats. These boats are different from each other in the shape of the helm, prow, and capacity to accommodate the crew. While some of them can accommodate 150 oarsmen and can be as big as 100 feet in length, some can accommodate a crew of 12 and are 18 feet in length.
Boat races in Kerala may be a recent phenomenon, but the history of these boats goes back to nearly 500 years. Unlike their colourful benign images, they were once battle vessels. The smaller variety of boats was used to rapidly transport a large posse of soldiers in the backwaters of Alleppey, Kottayam, and surrounding areas by the local chieftains who were constantly at war with each other. The bigger ones formed a part of the royal flotilla during temple festivals and were used to welcome royal dignitaries. The bloody feuds have long been forgotten but the rivalry continues albeit in a friendly manner in the form of boat races. For guests who want to experience the spectacular sporting event during monsoon, we highly recommend they visit the practice camps of the different villages for an insight into the preparations and how the local community contributes. Each village has its own boat and there is a lot of pride and enthusiasm associated with it – right from making one to preparing for the races to finally participating in it.
Each boat race has its own story of origin. Here’s the one of the Champakulam Boat Race of Kuttanad area of the backwaters, the oldest of the Boat Races in Kerala. There is this very special house in Kuttanad which guests can visit. For nearly 500 years, the Mappilassery family, along with Christian icons such as the holy cross, and the statues of Jesus and Mother Mary, has kept an eternal lamp burning on the family altar. The lamp was given to their ancestors by a Hindu king. In 1545 A.D, an entourage of the local Hindu king was passing Kuttanad with an idol of Krishna on their way to Ambalapuzha. When night set in, they were instructed by the King to take shelter at a Christian household, the home of Mappilassery Itty Thommen. The next day, the King turned up at the home of the Mappilassery family, accompanied by a huge mass of people. Pujas were offered to the deity and Itty Thommen and his men travelled with the idol to Ambalapuzha. On the way, the priests and laity of the Champakulam Church also honoured the King and the idol. The King, pleased with the love and affection shown to him by his Christian subjects, declared that henceforth, to commemorate these events, a great water carnival would be held. Thus began the Champakulam Boat Race which continues to this very day.
The boat songs are a fascinating part and parcel of this extravaganza. The chorus of “thi thi tharra thi thi thaai” at the end of each stanza will make anyone dream of being on the race rowing with the mighty oarsmen. These songs for the oarsmen were composed to break the monotony, offer respite from exhaustion, and also for synchronization. Gliding on the lakes and canals, the oarsmen sing these songs accompanied by the lead singer’s baritone as they furiously strike the water with their paddles. It is battle time again.
See you in Kerala during the Boat Races.
