The Mallappuzhassery and Thaimaravumkara Palliyodams (snakeboats) lifted the Mannam Trophy by finishing first in the snakeboat race held in the A and B batches respectively as part of the annual snakeboat regatta, Uthrittathi Vallamkali, in the Pampa river at Aranmula on Saturday.
The Arattupuzha Palliyodam won the R. Sankar Trophy for its performance in the procession of Palliyodams.
Fifty snakeboats in to A and B batches took part in the race and the pageantry. The Palliyodams of Melukara and Maramon finished second and third in the A batch while the Vanmazhi and Mangalam Palliyodams finished second and third in the B batch.
However, Mangalam Palliyodam capsized immediately after crossing the finishing point. The boat crew swam to safety.
Water Resources Minister Mathew T. Thomas opened the regatta at 2 p.m. Nair Service Society president P.N. Narendranathan Nair presented the Mannam Trophy to the winners.
The Devaswom Minister presented this year’s Ramapurathu Warrier Award to noted lyricist and film-maker Sreekumaran Thampi on the occasion.
