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Kerala has always had a wide range of ethnic boats which served various purposes of transportation. The most grandeous among these being the Chundan valloms . The boat races of modern Kerala have legends associated with them. When aristocracy was prevalent in the state, the rulers of the various kingdoms would be accompanied on their journeys by quite a few boats - each for a particular purpose like carrying food, clothes and vessels, servants, women, arms etc. These royal entourages, colourful processions were an exciting spectacle for the people. Once royalty moved out of the scene these processions became a ritualistic tradition to be kept alive. The modern boat races thus have become the sole occasions when most boats are used.
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