These Chundan Vallams serve as a visual representation of Kerala's long history of excellence in naval building. These masterworks of wooden craftsmanship, which have been used by kings and soldiers for more than 500 years, can hold more than 100 men at once.
The Religious Folklore of Champakulam Boat Festival's History
The festival, which takes place every year in Alappuzha on the Pampa River tides, is a representation of a long-standing nautical heritage. The day of the boat race is considered lucky because it falls on the Malayalam calendar's Madhunam moolam nakshatra. That is the day that Lord Krishna entered the grounds of the Ambalapuzha Temple, which dates back to the 17th century.
The festival's genesis narrative is what gives it its religious holiness. According to legend, Chembakassery, a ruler in the 15th century, reviewed his navy's capabilities and ordered his naval fleet to build sturdy boats that would fight their adversaries in times of conflict. Little did he anticipate that what he began as a war tactic would endure as a reminder of his naval legacy.
Main Champakulam Boat Festival Attractions
The Champakulam Boat Race Society organises this festival each year. For the festival, a variety of boats are lined up. The well-known ones include Churulan, Veppu, Chundan, and Iruttu. The boats with the most regal decorations among them are the chundan boats. Also, this is something that attracts the interest of visitors and locals that travel to this location to take in this celebration.
The sheer number of individuals attending the massive cultural festival is thrilling. Huge boats are seen slicing the sea in two, racing against each other in wispy motions. It is amazing to see the boatmen row in perfect harmony, using all of their might with every push and pull. The boats race through the water at high speeds amid the cheers and echoes of enthusiastic spectators.