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Vallam kali: The traditional backwater boat race of india.

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Vallamkali is a sport more fun that it sounds! If you are into boating and love the waters, don’t hold back and add it to your list of things you want to do at least once! Vallam kali is a traditional boat race in Kerala, India. It is not only the world’s largest team sport but also an adrenaline-pumping, high-octave spectacle, with singers urging on the rowers, and cheering spectators. What makes it special is that the participating boats are no modern marvels, but magnificent traditional crafts called Chundan Vallam.

THE HISTORY OF THE SPORT

In 1903 the Sree Narayana Guru arrived at Kumarakom to consecrate an idol of Sri Balasubrahmonia Swami at the Kumaramangalon Temple. The arrival of the Guru was a great day of celebration for the people of this nondescript village by the Vembanad lake and they welcomed the sage into their midst, accompanying him in their boats in a procession. To commemorate this event, for the past many decades, a boat race, preceded by a boat procession are held as part of the Sri Narayana Jayanthi celebrations at Kumarakom. 





THE COMPETITIVE EDGE OF THE SPORT.


While it is played as a part of a festival in Kerala, there are many events besides this organized where the sports is played at a competitive level. Among all, Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most popular and most participated one. It is held every year in Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha.

SOME FUN FACTS!

  • Jawaharlal Nehru was so impressed with this festival on his visit to Kerala that he donated a rolling trophy to the winner of the race. That's how the competition took place
  • There are 90 to 128 rowers who sit together in one snake boat.

  • There are hymns and songs which are extraordinary & exclusively composed for being sung amidst the cheering crowd of boat race.

Check out this small video.









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