Snake Boats
Snake Boats or Chundan
Vallams are known to outside world as Kerala snake boats. They are the
icons of Kerala culture and tradition and are used for the boat races in
August-September period in Kerala. These boats are about 100 to 158 ft in
length, with the rear portion towering to a height of about 20 ft. and a
long tapering front portion. It resembles a snake with its hood raised. It
is painted in vibrant colors adding to their beauty.
The snake boats carry more than 100 people during race times. They are
usually manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and about 100 oarsmen who row
the boat in accordance with 'Vanchipattu', the songs of the boatmen. This
is a spectacular sight for tourists and the visitors.
Boat races are organised in many parts of Kerala. The most important among
these races is Nehru Trophy boat race in Alappuzha on the second saturday
of August every year. The other important snake boat races are Champakulam
Moolam boat race held every year in the month of July, Aranmula Boat Race
during the festival of Onam, Payippad Boat Race, Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race,
Pulinkunnu, Kumarakom Boat Race and the Indira Gandhi Boat Race in Cochin.
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