Aranmula Boat Race

Aranmula Uthrittathi Boat Race is a grand sporting and cultural spectacle that is unlike any other boat races in Kerala. Its unique history, the legends that surround it, the types and shapes of boats that participate and the very backdrop of the race is different, making it a special event. It is closely linked to rituals and religious practices of the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. The race is annually held on the day of Uthrittathi in the month of Chingam. It is also the anniversary day that commemorates the dedication of the idol at the Aranmula temple.

Aranmula chundan boats are different in shape and size from other chundan vallams in Kuttanad. They are referred to as Aranmula Palliyodams, as they were dedicated to the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. They are relatively bigger and taller in structure. Up to 15 people can stand right in the centre of these palliyodams. Eastern-style vanjippattu (boat song) is the accepted version for Aranmula boat race. Aranmula has its own songs in vanjipattu genre, which include Kuchelavritham, Bheeshmaparvam and Santhanagopalam. The competitions in Pampa are conducted by categorizing the palliyodams as A and B grades. Apart from being a symbol of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and traditions, the boat race is a visual extravaganza that attracts thousands of tourists to the shores of Aranmula.