At Aranmulla, where there is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna, thousands of people gather on the banks of the river Pampa to witness the exciting snake boat races. The race is held on this day to commemorate the crossing of river by Lord Krishna. As much as 30 chundan vallams or snake boats participate in the festival and singing traditional boat songs adds more valor to the event. The oarsmen, in white dhotis and turbans, splash their oars into the water making their boats cruise along like a fish on the waters of Kerala. The golden lace at the head of the boat, the flag and the ornamental umbrella at the center make it a spectacular show of ceremony too.
All the villages lined along the waters and the nearby places participate in this Race. Each boat has the name of the village written on it and is oiled with fish oil, coconut shell, and carbon, mixed with eggs to keep the wood strong and boat slippery enough for its smooth sailing on the Alappuzha waters. The villagers take pride in the boat and gather in huge numbers to cheer their boat during the race. Excitement, fun and frolic is at its peak during this festive season in Kerala.
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