Champakulam Boat Race Festival, which is one of the most-awaited events in the calendar of Kerala, has an origin which dates back to centuries in time. This spectacular snake boat race is held on the River Pampa on the day of the 'moolam', which is followed in accordance to the Malayalam month of Midhunam. The day is considered to be especially sacred as it is the day when the Deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple was installed.
Festival Name : Champakulam Boat Race
Venue: Champakkulam
Location: Champakulam
District: Alappuzha
Festival Duration : 1 Day
Main Attraction :The oldest snake boat race ever known with extremely long country boats is the main attraction.
How to reach by Air : The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 78 km .
How to reach by Rail : The nearest railway station is Thrissur raulway station about 25 km.
How to reach by Road :There are many public and private vehicals to reach here.
More Information about Champakulam Boat Race Festival
Champakulam Boat Race Alappuzha is one of the oldest sports festivals held on the river Pamba. History supports that this heritage boat festival had started from middle of 16th Century. Now this has become a yearly event and is held on the month of June in the daytime. According to record the event was initiated in the year 1545. Till date this Champakulam Boat at Alappuzha starts the beginning of the boat race season in Kerala. As a leading event as well as for its grandeur, the boat is extremely famous and pulls thousands of tourists for watching the race live.
Originally, the boat race was called Champakkulam Moolam Vallam Kali. Presently, the race is organized on the Malayalam month midhunam on moolam day. Presently the race is organized by Champakulam boat race society headed by district collector. Different categories of boats are used for taking part in this boat race. Some of the most known boat categories are chundan (snake boat), veppu, iruttu kuthi, churulan. Among all these categories, chundan (snake boat) are found most decorated and grab spectators’ attention.
History of Champakulam Boat Race Festival
As per legend, Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri constructed a temple at Ambalappuzha as instructed by the royal priest. However just before the deity installation he was informed that the deity wasn't auspicious. The king was troubled, but his minister suggested a solution to bring down the beautiful idol of Sree Krishna from the Karikulam temple in Kurichi. The minister along with few others went to Kurichi and returned with the idol. While returning they stopped at Champakulam to spent the night and carry out a puja. Next morning from the entire region, boats gather to accompany the idol in a colorful ceremonial procession to the Temple.
