The season of snake boat races in Kerala started off in a grand way with the race held on the Pamba river at Champakulam in Kuttanad on Saturday. The State will witness a host of races to be organized in various districts in the coming months.
Six chundans, each with about 100 oarsmen, and 10 smaller boats thrilled thousands of of spectators lined up on either side of the river in the afternoon. A mass drill of the boats and an exhibition race preceded the event, popularly known as ‘Champakulam Moolam vallomkali’. ‘Ayaparambu Pandi chundan’ won the race in the finals.
Public Works Minister G.Sudhakaran inaugurated the race amidst zestful cheers from supporters of boat clubs that sponsor the boats, and rendering of vanchipattu, the song sung to enthuse the oarsmen. The clouded skies provided the perfect setting for a splendid event that brought physical prowess to the fore while reminiscing a glorious past.
The history of the race dates back to 15th century when the erstwhile Travancore State was ruled by Chembakassery dynasty. The Moolam boat race commemorates an episode associated with the installation of the idol of Lord Krishna at the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna temple. The idol was brought from Kurichi near Kottayam by boat. The boat carrying the idol had a halt at at Mappilasseri, a Christian traditional home at Champakkulam. It was given a reception by people of all communities and the voyage to Ambalappuzha was marked by festivities. The annual race falls on Moolam star in the month of Mithunam in the Malayalam calendar.
Winners
The three chundans that won the heats were Nadubhagom, Champakulam and Ayaparambu Pandi.The other chundans in the race were Sree Vinayakan, Karuvatta Puthanchundan, and St.George. The final round was marked by dispute at the starting point and it was organized afresh.
Ayaparambu Pandi won the race, winning the Rajapramukhan trophy. Nadubhagom and Chambakkulam came second and third. Races were also held in the categories of Veppu-B grade, Iruttukuthi-A grade and Iruttukuthi-B grade.
