You will be left breathless just looking at the spirited rowing at the Gothuruth Boat Race

Gothuruth, a small island in Ernakulam, was once part of the ancient port town of Muziris, which traded with the Romans and Greeks. It is also home to the colourful theatre form called Chavittunatakam. Today, the area buzzes with excitement in September with the spectacular

Gothuruth Boat Race, which has been going since 1938. The event, which takes place in one of the tributaries of River Periyar, is more “pump up the jam” than “row row row your boat gently down the stream”. The race seems to happen in a breathless frenzy of vigorous rowing that stirs up the waters and viewers’ spirits.

The race takes place around the Moothakunnam Sree Narayanamangalam temple and Kadalvathurthu Holy Cross Church, so the residents from Gothuruth participate in a mood of religious harmony. It also attracts visitors from the neighbouring towns, and tourists from India and abroad.