Tuesday, March 19, 2019

A Watery Ride of Tradition


On the 2 nd Saturday of august people line up across the backwaters in Kerala,
anticipating the start of the popular festival Vallum Kalli which translates into Boat
game also known as Boat Race which is a part of the Onam celebrations in Kerala.
Onam marks new years for Malayali Hindu, and its celebrations include Vallum Kali
(boat races), Puli kali (tiger dance), Pooh Kollam (flower arrangement), Onathappan
(worship), Thumbi Thullal (women's dance), Kummati kali (mask dance), Onathallu

   Image result for Vallam Kali

(martial arts), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), and many others. Originally it was celebrated
only by Malayali Hindus but now is celebrated by all Keralites across the globe, actually not only malayalis but it is celebrated by most south Indians not just as a state wise holiday but people wear the traditional Kerala style” Patth Sari” for ladies or “Mundu” for men as they embrace the culture of their neighbouring state.

This form of celebration is added to the already grand celebration of Onam in Kerala,which is the
festival which commemorates the subsequent homecoming of thelegendary Emperor Mahabali This festival started in the 13th century, In Kerala, during a war in between the kingdoms of Kayamkulam and Chembakassery.

Chembakassery,Devanarayana had ordered the construction of a war boat called Chundan Vallam
and for this job he had tasked a famous carpenter with the responsibility of
creating it. This is why the traditional method of making the boat is over 650 yearsold.
One of the oldest snake boats every used is called the Parthasarathi Chundan.
Though unlike Onam which follows the Malayalam calendar, vallum kalli has a specific
day across in the standard calendar as it has become an international tourist
event and the most popular cup Nehru Cup is conducted on a specific day every year.


Constructed according to specifications taken from the Sthapathya Veda the hood is raised to almost
a height of about 20 feet, and a long tapering front portion. An ancient method for the building
of wooden boats is followed; these boats vary from 100 to 138 feet in length. Hulls are built of
planks are built very specific so as to not alter the tradition at 83 feet in length and six inches wide.
The Aranmula Boat Race the oldest river boat related celebration in Kerala, and takes place at
Aranmula, which is near a Hindu temple which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna.
The boats move in pairs to the rhythm of loud singing and shouting which is encouraged by a very
enthusiastic crowd.

Image result for oonam

In 1972, snake boat races were also added to the festival celebrations. Scores of people gather on the banks of the river Pampa to watch the snake boat races. The men rowing the boat sing traditional boat songs and wear white Mundu and turbans.The golden lace at the head of the boat, the flag and the
ornamental umbrella at the centre make it a show of pageantry too.

The other types of boats races used are: irittukuthy vallam, odi vallam, vepu vallam, vadakkanody
vallam, and kochu vallam. The celebration of Onam is not just fun and enjoyment for Malayali families but for everyone who is fortunate enough to witness it as it is one of the showcases ofIndia’s unique beauty which is our tradition and culture that the current and previousgenerations strive to keep alive.

No comments:

Post a Comment