Aranmula Jalosawam (Snake Boat race)

The Holy River Pampa is the life line of Central Travancore and the Snake boats (Chundan valloms) are one of the cultural gift to the Keralites by the 'River Pampa'. The major snake boat races are conducted in the Pampa waters at various localities, via Ayroor, Malakkara, Chengannur, Mannar, Neeretupuram, Payipadu, Pulinkunnu and Allapuzha as well as Aranmula. The snake boat race (chundan Vallom kali) is one of the important "Traditional Game" in Kerala.

One of the most important boat races is being conducted at Aranmula in the River Pampa. Aranmula Boat festival is connected to the Annual Onam Festival of Kerala. Annually about 35 Snake boats other wise called 'Palliyodams' participate in the Aranmula 'Uthruttathy Jalolswom'. The Aranmula Jalolswam is steadily and fast growing into a great international event in India. The Aranmula Boat race is the biggest domestic tourist event which attracts millions every year. This spectacular regatta has found its own place in the international tourist map and every year a large number of tourists come over to Kerala to watch this boat race.

"Palliyodams" are given the sanctity of a temple due to faith in the presence of the deity. "Parthasarathy" (Lord Krishna), of the holy shrine of the Aranmula Temple. Snake boat pageantry is held as a part of the anniversary celebrations of the 'Idol' installation of Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple believed to have been held centuries ago on an Uthruttathy day in Chingam, 1st calendar month of Malayalam Era. This legendary festival is a great annual event of Central Travancore. It has religious, artistic and social overtones. No where else in the world would there be such an event with  millions of people taking part ( one Eanam and Thalam). It has no parallel as it is commemorative of an ancient tradition rooted about 600 years in history. The Aranmula Jalolswom is steadily growing into a great international event in India and abroad. The "Discovery Television channel has beamed the beauty of the Aranmula Snake boat race all over the World.

Aranmula Boat race has manifold significance. It has contributed immensely to the communal harmony as it has become a cosmopolitan, social event, participated by people of all religions, age and creed. It attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. Unlike the sporting and competitive aspects of other boat races artistic, social and religious  too aspects are given importance.