CONSTRUCTION OF SNAKE BOATS

The first ordeal starts from the finding of the wood that is fit for the work . Before cutting the tree a traditional Vriksha puja ( Worshiping of the tree ) will be held. The tree will be grounded very softly ( supported by ropes ) the tree is sawed in to two parts ( Eravu and Mathavu ) The former is comparatively more in thickness. The bents and curves in the planks will be made good by a sort of process involving coir dung , golden wax and chen chalyams. The plank is bended to the required shape after applying the above materials and gently heated under wooden dyes. Even a slight error in the process is enough to spoil the worthiness of the boat. A snake boat can accommodate even up to 115 people 99 of which are rowers 4 rudder men and between 7 and 10 drummers. The average life of a Chundan boat is between 50 and 60 years. It is from 1969 onwards boats were started to be designed in anticipation of winning the race by reducing breadth adding length to accommodate more rowers. However this trend has to an extend damaged the traditional beauty of the Snake Boats.