Context: As many as 48 snakeboats participated in the annual water regatta, which was held in two batches. The event began with a ceremonial procession of 51 snakeboats.
About the Boat Race
- It is staged as a mix of revelry and ritualistic tradition.
- This event marks the anniversary of the idol installation at the Sree Parthasarathy temple.
- It is the oldest river boat race in Kerala held during Onam (August–September).
- It takes place at Aranmula Parthasarathy temple (dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna) in the river Pampa.
- Palliyodams: These are Aranmula’s unique snake boats (‘’Chundan Vallam’’).
- Vanchipattu (song): The oarsmen sing traditional boat songs known as Vanchipattu while rowing the boat.
- The oarsmen on board each palliyodam are selected from the village which owns the respective vessel.
- During the race, they are also dressed identically in white dhoti and melmundu.
About Aranmula Parthasarathy temple
- Sri Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna. It is one of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, who is worshipped as Parthasarathi.
- Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple houses the Thiruvabharanam (the sacred jewels) of Lord Ayyappa, which are taken in procession to the Sabarimala temple every year.
- The Aranmula Parthasarathi temple is a simple structure in Kerala style of architecture and the idol of Parthasarathi is six feet high. The walls of the temple are beautifully adorned with fine murals of the 18th century. The temple has four gopurams (towers) on four sides of its outer wall.
