Champakulam Vallam Kali: 8 Things To Know About Kerala’s Famous Boat Race Festival

Credits: K erala Tourism/ Website

What Is It?

[{"selector":"#anim-f1efb063-48df-408b-9b5b-641da18de39a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-18.029740193760254%, 0, 0) translate(-18.38235294117647%, -18.3823523214909%) scale(1.3676470588235294)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The Champakulam Vallam Kali is Kerala’s oldest snake boat race, a thrilling competition on water. Credits: Flickr

When Is It Celebrated?

[{"selector":"#anim-156f8e92-61d2-4492-8bbe-412c47c63d3b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-38.75549846549314%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] It takes place on a date determined by the lunar calendar, this year on June 22. Credits: Flickr

Origin

[{"selector":"#anim-4a616bab-a126-4a3a-aad2-d6df506bf2f5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, -0.0000034607702197320123%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Legend ties the race to the ceremonial transport of Lord Krishna’s idol by a local king. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Traditional Snake Boats

[{"selector":"#anim-5ac26974-6a61-4cb2-b161-7762aedd59a6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-0.2504004672913644%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Long, sleek vessels called chundan vallams are the stars of the show, adorned with vibrant colors. Credits: edasserimala__palliyodam/ Instagram

Rowing Techniques

[{"selector":"#anim-e00f100e-875a-467e-926c-4d9ddf8b3bcf [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(5.455910124362927%, 0, 0) translate(11.061946902654874%, -8.50496919101444%) scale(1.2212389380530975)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Teams of oarsmen propel their boats with a synchronized rhythm and powerful strokes. Credits:st_pius_xth_chundan/ Instagram

Cultural Extravaganza

[{"selector":"#anim-6464dae4-c082-488e-b16a-9a52048d91dd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Beyond the race, the festival features music, dance, and other traditional performances. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Tourist Attraction

[{"selector":"#anim-12e90fef-ec6a-4006-8d2d-f1a5ed33806c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.424999881219662%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Visitors flock to witness the spectacle and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. Credits: @IndiaTales7/X (Formerly, Twitter)

Community Participation

[{"selector":"#anim-643e18d1-af35-4d2d-8f0a-a84deaafb4ea [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-13.780487585099452%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Local communities come together to organize and celebrate this cherished event. Credits: payippadan_chundan_/ Instagram

[{"selector":"#anim-eb39b855-afd6-4988-b5fd-20e7af8c670f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-16.525437441369196%, 0, 0) translate(-18.939393939393945%, -3.6991008080676%) scale(1.378787878787879)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Head to Kerala right away to witness the beauty of this boat race festival! Credits: a_k_lavender/ Instagram Learn more