Champakulam Moolam Boat Race

The oldest and most popular snake boat race in Kerala, the race is held on the Champakulam Lake on the Moolam day of the Malayalam month Midhunam (the day of the installation of the deity) at the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. According to a legend, Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri on the advice of the royal priest built a beautiful temple at Ambalappuzha but just before the installation of the deity, he was told that the idol was not auspicious. However, on suggestion of his minister, her arranged for the beautiful idol of Sree Krishna, said to be presented to Arjuna by the Lord himself, to be brought down from the Karikulam Temple in Kurichi.

On the way back, his men stopped at Champakulam to spend the night and perform a Pooja (ritual). The next morning, boats from the entire region assembled to escort the idol in a colorful, ceremonial procession through the lake to the Temple. Even today, the pageant is still re-enacted with the same enthusiasm and the charming beauty of the procession of boats decorated with colorful parasols and performing arts that greets the spectator before the race enchants one. The race proper is held in various stages for various categories of boats.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race | Champakulam Boat Race
Aranmula Boat Race | Payippad Boat Race