Kumarakom Boat Race

Kumarakom Boat Race - Honouring the Legend

Kerala...where tradition embodied as festivals! It hosts a number of traditional festivals. Exhibiting the cultural uniqueness of the state, boat races in Kerala are a spectacular event. The annual boat race at Kumarakom is unlike other popular boat races. Kumarakom boat race is also known as Sree Narayana Jayanthi boat race, which is held at Kottathodu in Kumarakom. The Kumarakom boat race is conducted in remembrance of the famous social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru’s visit to the village.

Time of the Event

The boat race is organized on Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi Day that generally falls in August or September.

Historical Significance

According to the records, Sree Narayana Guru, the great social reformer paid a visit to Kumarakom in the year 1903. He reached the village by a boat from Alappuzha, escorted by a procession of boats. During the visit, he also established a temple of Subrahmanya (Sree Kumara Mangalam Temple) in Kumarakom. Villagers started commemorating Sree Narayana Guru's visit, despite of caste or religion during this annual event.

The Race

Carrying the portrait of Sree Narayana Guru, a spectacular procession of country boats fascinates visitors. It starts from the Kumaramangalam Temple and reaches to Kottathodu. This ritual turned into the event of a boat race with Kottathodu as the venue 55 years ago.

Celebration

Special “Poojas” are performed on this event at the Kumaramangalam temple. To entertain the children, several competitions are organized. The colour procession is also accompanied with Panchavadyam, dance performances as well as art forms like Theyyam and Kolkali.

Highlights

The procession is followed by various dance and music performances like the Garudan, the Nadaswaram and the Panchavadyam. Sports competitions are also conducted with the race. The events at the venues also encompass art forms like Theyyam, Kolkali and Thiruvathirakali.

The spectacle becomes grand with hundreds of oarsmen in different types of boats such as the Iruttukuthy, the Chundan, the Veppu and the Churulan. The boat, winning the race is awarded with the Sree Narayana Ever-Rolling Trophy.

Set on Cheers with Spectacle of Electrifying Boat Race in Kumarakom!