|
The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong Onam festival. The snake boats assemble near the Sri Parthasarathy Temple before the grand procession. Each boat is 100 ft. long and accommodates 4 helmsmen, 100 oarsmen, and 25 singers. The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full-throated singing and shouting, watched by an excited crowd.
At the Aranmula boat race, the deity of the Aranmula temple is believed to partake on the race with every snake boat - and all boats are destined to try their best to reach the finishing line simultaneously. Thus the concept of competition is eliminated and there is more of merriment, cheerfulness, and friendly rivalry.
The festival is with the Parthasarathy temple of Aranmula, and the occasion breaks all barriers and differences among people. Palli oda seva Sangam, a popular organization of the boat owners manages the festival. During the boat race thousands of spectators pack the riversides. Spectators from all across India and around the world come to Aranmula for the festival.
The race is a grand and enchanting spectacle. The back end of the boat the "Amaram", curves upwards while the front tapers gradually. Each boat accommodates about 100 rowers, a group of drummers, and some ornamental umbrellas. The Aranmula boat race combines devotion, sportsmanship, and friendship in a grandeous, unforgetable event.
There are many festivals celebrated in south India but some of the known festivals are:
|