Spectacular Aranmula Vallamkali

During Onam, the national festival of Kerala, the state becomes a beehive of activities marked by cultural events, feasting and rituals. A major event during the Onam festival period is the Aranmula boat race or Aranmula Vallamkali, held at the village of Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.

This snake boat race called the Uthrittathi Vallamkali is conducted every year during the Onam festival. Nearly thirty snake boats (chundan vallams) participate every year and the event is held on the River Pamba. More than a race, this regatta is considered as an offering to the presiding deity of Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple.