We have often participated in races of different types such as obstacle race, hoop pass race, ball roll race, lemon race and the list is infinite. But one race which probably we should try or at least witness the event is Vallam Kali. Vallam Kali is an ancient and traditional boat race that is held on the 5th day of festival Onam that is in the month of September in Kerala, India. The festival takes up the form of a water carnival and is considered as a major crowd puller. It is thrilling and exciting event for the rowers as well as spectators.
History
It is said that there is always some reason or history about an event, similar is the case with Vallamkali. It is a traditional boat race which took birth in ancient times. During an early 13th century war between the feudal kingdom of Kayamkulam and Chembakassery, King of Devanarayana of Chembakassery commanded the construction of a boat what could be used in wars and can bring success in every war named Chundan Vallam. A craftsman named Kodipunna Venkida Narayanan Assari was ordered to create a boat. Its usage was started under the reign of Chempakassery Raja. Chundan Vallam is also known as beaked boats and are used in the Vallamkali boat race. Whereas Vallam Kali is believed to have been originated in Assyria and is believed that it took place in other countries as well such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Britain, etc. There is also an interesting tale behind the celebration of the boat races that once a Brahmin was waiting to feed a poor person and in order to get his wish fulfilled he started praying to and saw a boy in ragged clothes and fed him but to his astonishment, the boy disappeared after having the meal and later spotted him at Aranmulla Temple but he disappeared again. Brahmin concluded that the boy is God himself and thus started bringing food every year during the time of Onam and to protect the food from pirates, snake boats were used which later developed in fun-filled activities of different forms of races.
Chundan Vallam
The boat resembles snake and are made from the wood of the Anjili tree with a length of 100 to 139 ft. and can carry around 125 to 150 people. The boat is worshipped like a deity and only men are allowed to touch the boat. Known for its speed and stealth, there are many efforts done in order to make the boat slippery in water and decrease the absorption of water such as it is oiled with fish oil, ash of coconut shells and eggs. It is commanded by the village leader along with 3 main paddlers who control the movement of the boat with the help of 12-foot-long oar. About 64 paddlers are there, 2 in each row, representing 64 art forms. Apart from Chundan Vallam, there are other types of boats as well such as churulam vallam, iruttukuthy vallam, odivallam, veppu vallam, vadakkanody vallam and kochu vallam which are used in different events in the race.
Vallam Kali
A traditional boat race which takes place in God’s own country that is Kerala, India. It is one of the forms of canoe racing in which paddled war canoes are used. In the season of harvest festival Onam in autumn, Vallam Kali takes place. It is also known as snake boat race due to the length of the boats used.
There is also a religious side of the sport as it is considered as an offering to Lord Parthasarathy and is played during the autumn celebrating the harvest. While rowing the boat, there are various songs sung which are in Malayalam which is believed to boost energy and enthusiasm amongst the oarsmen. Vanchipattu is the form of poetry which is sung.
The race of Vallam Kali is like a grand and elaborated event as thousands of people assemble on the river bank of Pamba at Aranmulla where a temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna.
The race is conducted on 5th day of Onam and at a stretch of 40 kilometers from the top to the bottom that is the hills to low plains. About 30 Chundan Vallam participates in the race which are beautifully adorned. About 150 men ride on a boat out of which 25 are singers, 125 are oarsmen and 4 are helmsmen. The participants wear white dhotis and turbans. Prior arrangements are the key to the success of the event as everything is arranged before for smooth sailing of event, even the boats are launched a day before the race. Different rituals take place such as worshiping of Lord Vishnu and Mahabali to invoke blessing to the boat and the boatmen. The flowers which are offered to God are taken as a blessing and are kept on the boat to ensure safety and success.
Important Events
In 1998, Kumarakom Town Boat Club was established. It was formed and from then they have achieved great success by winning the race and at their first attempt itself, they won Nehru Trophy at Punnamada in 1999 for winning the race. The club has won 4 championships.
There are various major Vallam Kali events that also took place, such as:
Kandassankadavu boat race, Thrissur
Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha
Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali at Aranmulla, Pathanamthitta
Payippad Jalotsavam
Piravom Boat Race in Piravom
The best thing about Vallamkali is that it has a religious side with amusement and this sounds so interesting that everyone should participate in such race at least once in their lifetime. Also, these types of events and sports activities should be encouraged as it will not only keep the traditional and ancient sport alive forever but can attract tourists from around the world.
