The famous Aranmula snakeboat regatta in Kerala will not be a competitive race in the Pampa river waters at this year’s Onam festival, and will instead return to its roots as a spectacle of colour and song.
Ruling in favour of regalia, the Palliyoda Seva Sanghom (PSS), which conducts the show, has decided to do away with the race format during the Uthrattadhi Vallamkali in August. What caused concern was the influence of competitive sport on the legacy of style and colour, said PSS president Krishnakumar Krishnaveni.
“The Aranmula Vallamkali has strong moorings in the traditions of the centuries-old Sree Parthasarathy temple at Aranmula, regarded as one of the 101 Vaishnava Tirupatis,” PSS secretary, P.R. Radhakrishnan, added.
The deity’s boats
The Vallamkali marks the anniversary of the idol installation at the Aranmula temple, with the participation of about 50 units called Palliyoda Karayogams in and around Aranmula, which have their own snakeboats (Palliyodams) . The oarsmen consider it a holy mission to take part, and the boats are treated as those of the deity.
The race was not part of Aranmula Vallamkali earlier, and the high-crested boats that take part are distinct from those used in races elsewhere in Kerala. They are meant to be paddled, in tune with the rhythmic Vanchippattu, which are verses in praise of Lord Krishna, Mr. Krishnakumar said. The dhoti-and-shawl dress code of the oarsmen is also a special feature.
When racing entered the scene, it was seen as robbing the regatta of its charm, PSS leaders say. Some of the participants were recruited from Kuttanad, which has a major boat race, and the traditional paddling style was overtaken by sport. Besides putting off those looking for spectacle, it led to disputes among teams.
The Mannam Trophy will thus go to the snakeboat that is adjudged the best in terms of paddling style, discipline, costume of the oarsmen, and Vanchippattu singing.
