Just In
- 56 min ago Daily Horoscope, 25 March 2024: Leo Businessmen Need To Keep Their Plans Secret
- 6 hrs ago Holi 2024: Playing Holi With Different Colors in Dream Meaning, Is It Auspicious Or Inauspicious?
- 7 hrs ago Happy Holi 2024 Wishes: Top 50+ Quotes, WhatsApp, Instagram Status, Messages, Images, Posters, Greetings
- 16 hrs ago Exclusive: Celebrity Saree Draper Dolly Jain's Tips On How To Get Ready On Holi And Stand Out In The Crowd
Don't Miss
- Sports Who Won Yesterday IPL 2024 Matches, RR vs LSG & GT vs MI: Yesterday IPL Match Result, Top Players, Award Winners
- Finance Rs 4.50/Share Dividend: Ex-Date In 4 Days On 28th March; Buy PSU Maharatna Stock?
- News Hardik Pandya Unfazed By Mumbai Indians' Narrow Loss In IPL Opener
- Movies Sundaram Master OTT Release Date And Platform Fixed: Here's When And Where To Watch Harsha Chemudu's Movie
- Automobiles Apple to Comply with European Act, Offering Users Google Maps as an Option
- Education Most favourite trades of the students selected in WBJEE
- Technology OnePlus Nord CE 4 Key Specifications Confirmed Ahead of Launch: Check Expected Price, Specifications
- Travel Learn About the Types of US Visas Available for Indian Immigrants and the Visa Process
Onam: Do You Know Why Vallamkali (Boat Race) Is Practiced In Kerala During Onam?
Are you familiar with the term Vallamkali? Well, you should know this by now because the Onam festival is not so far. Vallamkali is considered to be a traditional form of boat racing which is held during the Onam festival in Kerala. It is actually a type of canoe racing and war canoes that can be paddled are used. It is also one of the most enchanting and exciting races of Kerala. This event is a major attraction for all tourists.
The boat race draws in a number of tourists from and around India. This tradition has been going on for a long time and happens every year during the harvest festival of Kerala, Onam. It has gained huge popularity. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru loved this event so much that he even instituted a grand trophy for the winner of the race. This has increased the importance of Vallamkali.
The
Legend
Behind
Boat
Race
It
is
said
that
there
is
a
story
behind
this
beautiful
event.
According
to
the
legend,
the
head
of
Kattoor
Mana,
who
belonged
to
the
Nambudiri
family,
used
to
offer
his
prayers
daily.
He
was
waiting
for
a
poor
man
to
come
and
accept
the
food
that
he
was
offering
in
order
to
complete
this
ritual.
He waited for a very long time and then one day when he saw that no poor man came, he started praying desperately to Lord Krishna. Then he opened his eyes and was surprised to see a boy standing in rags in front of him. He was overwhelmed by this sight. He took care of the boy, bathed him, offered him new clothes and, finally, provided him with a tasty and hearty meal.
After completing the meal, the boy vanished. The Brahmin was very surprised as he was not expecting this. He set out to look for the boy. He spotted the boy in the Aranmula Temple, but to his surprise, the boy again disappeared again. After this, the Brahmin started convincing himself that this boy was not just any boy, but he was the Lord Himself.
In order to commemorate this event, he started bringing food to this temple during the festival of Onam. He wanted the food to be protected from the pirates of the rivers. This is why snake boats used to accompany him when he travelled with the food. As this tradition started becoming popular, the snake boats started to increase in number. This led to the amazing carnival which was named the Snake Boat Race.
The
Vallamkali
Boat
The
boats
used
during
Vallamkali
are
not
like
ordinary
boats.
These
boats
have
fixed
measurements.
The
boats
have
a
length
of
100
m
and
around
150
men
can
be
seated
in
each
boat.
These
boats
are
carved
out
from
Artocarpus
(Hirsuta)
and
teak
(Kadamb)
at
times
as
well.
The
ends
of
the
boats
are
curled
and
they
resemble
cobra
hoods.
The shape of the boats is the reason why they are called snake boats. The boats are crafted by the craftsmen who are very skilled. The craftsmen have to be patient and they work hard to make the boat perfect and then decorate it. These boats are treated like deities and the village folk have an emotional attachment to the boats. Women are not allowed to touch the boats while men can touch the boat with their bare feet.
Arrangements
Made
To
ensure
that
the
carnival
goes
smoothly,
the
arrangements
are
made
many
days
prior
to
the
event.
All
the
boats
are
launched
on
the
day
before
the
race.
Lord
Vishnu
and
the
great
demon
King
Mahabali
are
worshipped
so
that
the
boatmen
and
their
boats
are
blessed
by
the
Lord
and
the
King.
Flowers
are
also
offered
as
they
considered
to
be
good
luck.
Most people visit Kerala to witness Vallamkali, not only because of the beautiful carnival but also because of the legend that is associated with it.
- home n gardenOnam Sadhya Leftovers: How To Store The Leftover Food Fresh For A Few More Days?
- healthAyurvedic Herbs And Spices Commonly Used During Onam And Their Benefits
- fashionOnam 2023: Your Ethnic Style Guide From Bollywood Divas To Embrace The Festive Spirit!
- healthOnam 2023: 3 Delicious Oat Recipes To Keep Yourself Healthy This Festive Season
- beautyDiscover the Magic of Kerala: Unveiling Rare Onam Beauty Rituals for Hair and Skin
- healthOnam Work-Life Balance: 5 Expert Tips To Enjoy The Festival Stress-Free
- healthCraving Onam Sweets? Discover Healthy Ways To Relish Them
- yoga spiritualityWhen Is Onam Starting In 2023? How To Prepare For Onam Celebrations?
- home n gardenDon’t Throw Away Onam Flowers: 10 Creative Ways To Repurpose Leftover Flowers
- beautyOnam Haircare Tips: How To Maintain Your Hairdo All Day Long!
- beautyElevate Your Onam 2023 Look: All The Different Types Of Flowers And Leaves To Wear On Hair
- home n gardenOnam 2023: How To Decorate Your Home