Kerala is known as the land of coconuts trees, majestic elephants, black peppers, snake boat races etc. Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali or Aranmula Boat Race is one of the most ancient snake boat races performed in Kerala as part of our cultural rituals. Boat races are usually conducted on Uthrattathi asterism during the Onam festival, according to the Malayalam calendar. Vallamkali is being held at River Pampa near Aranmula Parthasarathy temple, Pathanamthitta. On this day thousands of Malayalees and tourists come together on the banks of the river to watch the thrilling and enticing boat race.
There is a myth in association with the origin of this ritual. Once an ardent devotee promised to offer all the required food items for Thiruvonasadya, the vegetarian meals to be eaten on Thiruvonam during the Onam festival. All the items were to be delivered to the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple on a boat known as Thiruvonathoni. During its voyage, the boat was attacked by the enemies and the neighbouring people sent their snake boats to rescue Thiruvonathoni. It is to commemorate this event Aranmula snake boat race is being conducted every year during Onam festival.
Later on the boat race not only became a ritual, but it also turned out to be an offering to Lord Krishna in Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Visit river Pampa on Uthrittathi asterism to witness this magnificent spectacle of decorated snake boats moving swiftly through the serene waters, talented rowers singing vanjipattu for more energy and spirit, cheering and applauding audience and above all the live commentary score on the loudspeakers. All these together provide an exciting and memorable experience of a lifetime
