The boat races of Kerala, the largest team sport in the world, impart experience beyond words. In Kerala, the season of boat races starts with the renowned Champakkulam Moolam Vallam Kali (vallam kali means boat race). The festival takes place at Champakkulam, a serene village in Alappuzha district, on the moolam asterism in the Malayalam month of mithunam (roughly June/July).

On the day of the race, people, both locals and travellers from far off places, flock the river bank to enjoy the race. Venturous spirits will ensure a better vantage point by climbing the nearby trees. As the sun comes straight on top of all gathered, boats in various categories like the chundan (snake boat), veppu, iruttu kuthi, churulan and others from nearby regions assemble at the starting point of the race. Among these boats, the snake boats with its fascinating design catch the attention of all.