|
In the past Kerala had only two major boat races-the Aranmula Uthrittathi boat race and the Champakulam Moolam boat race. These two have traditional and religious background. A fete in Aranmula is conducted in connection with Aranmula temple and Champakulam boat race is in commemoration of the consecration of the deity at Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple. Despite their religious backgrounds, the fetes witness communal amity.
Kerala today witnesses a large number of boat races all across its rives and waters. The water carnival begins with the Champakulam Moolam boat race followed by big and small boat races conducted throughout the Onam festival season when people there are in high spirits to welcome their mythical king Mahabali who is universally loved by all Keralites. According to a legend, the king visits them once a year from the nether world. The backwaters which were often the battle ground of warring rulers of Kerala and the Chundan Valloms or the snake boats which were the battleships, now race to a different bugle.
|
