Pandanad Boat Race | Kerala's River Spectacle

The Pandanad Boat Race is held at the namesake village in Chengannur Taluk in Alappuzha district. Celebrated as a water carnival by the residents of Chengannur, this race has been recently inducted into Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League (CBL).

The race is held on the Pandanad Mithramadam Nettayam on the Pamba river. Both chundan vallams (snake boats) and palliyodams (a variety of snake boats) participate in the event. Pandanad follows the tradition of Aranmula Palliyodams. The village boasts of five palliyodams representing five different karas or localities - Pandanad, Keezhuvanmazhy, Vanmazhy, Muthavazhy and Prayar.

The event begins with a majestic procession involving all five palliyodams. Apart from the race, the festival hosts cultural events and symposiums.

CBL Boat Races

Beypore Boat Race

The Beypore Boat Race is a new entrant into Kerala's traditional water sports arena. The event was launched by Kerala Tourism to expand the indigenous sport to the northern regions of the state. The race is held on the Chaliyar River at the historic port town of Beypore in Kozhikode district. The race is part of Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League, but it does not involve chundan vallams (snake boats). Only churulan vallams (small sporting boats) compete in this event. The race track is located between the old and new Feroke bridges. Teams from the northern regions participate in this race, which is quickly gaining popularity in the state. The Beypore Boat Race is held during Kerala Tourism's annual adventure water sports carnival - The Beypore Water Festival. A celebration of Malayali spirit and an international showcase of the state's potential as an adventure sports destination, this gala has become one of India's biggest water fests. Apart from the boat race, the event also hosts canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, speedboat racing, wooden log racing and timber rafting competitions. The Beypore Marina Beach and the eco-friendly Oceanus Chaliyam stretch on the opposite shore are the venues of this spectacular event, which also features rocking musical evenings, delectable food fest, international symposiums, kite festivals, naval and coast guard aviation displays and much more.

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President's Trophy Boat Race

The President's Boat Race is held annually at the Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam district. The first race was held here on August 31, 2011. The then President Smt Pratibha Patil was present to watch the event. That's how the tournament got its name.The race is now a part of Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League (CBL).The 1200-metre race track extends from the Thevalli bridge across Ashtamudi Lake to the boat jetty near the KSRTC bus station. The President's Boat Race used to offer the second biggest cash prize after the Nehru Trophy. Now the winnings are based on performance in the League.The inaugural race was a grand success as 16 snake boats participated in it. Ganeshan Chundan rowed by Kollam St. Francis Boat Club won the cup in the debut event. Races for other snake boat categories like Veppu, Iruttukuthi and Thekkanvadi were also held.

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Karuvatta Boat Race

The Karuvatta boat race or the Brothers Trophy Boat Race is held every year during the Onam season at the Karuvatta village in Alappuzha district. A variety of spectacular cultural activities are organised during the race. The snake boat race is currently part of Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League (CBL).The event was founded by the Karuvatta Brothers Arts & Sports Club in 1966. The race is held on the Karuvatta leading water channel and it was initially known as the Karuvatta Leading Channel Boat Race. The bunds on either side of the channel are used as galleries during the event.The race track is 1200 metres long and it stretches from Thaivypinkadavu to St. Joseph's Church. There is a permanent pavilion at the church premises. The Brothers Trophy Boat Race was initially conducted for smaller snake boats like Churulan, Odi and Veppu vallams. Nowadays, all major snake boats vie for this trophy. Vibrant festivities including a colourful procession are held during the event.

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Dharmadom Boat Race

The Champions Boat League, hosted on the Ancharakandi River in Dharmadam, Kannur, is one of the most captivating boat race events in North Malabar. Competitions like these play a key role in drawing both domestic and international visitors to the region.

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