Introduction:
The Champakulam Boat race is the regional grand boat race carnival of state Kerala. The oldest boat race festival, Champakulam boat race is held on the river Pampa in Champakulam which is around 26 Km from Alapuzzha district where huge crowd comes from all over the state to became witness of the carnival. The Boat race is held in the moolam vallamkali which signifies malyalam star according to the Malayalam calendar.
Time to Celebrate:
Usually on 2nd of July in every year
Description:
Champakkulam boat race is the oldest one among the boat races of India. The origin of Champakkulam boat race is dates back to the century of 1545 AD, when Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri was instructed by the royal priest to build a temple at Ambalappuzha. However, before he could install he deity, he came to know that the idol was not propitious. The King was anxious to find a solution to this problem. His faithful minister suggested a brilliant way out of this problem. He said the beautiful idol of Lord Krishna at the temple in Kurichi, which was presented by Arjuna himself, should be brought to this temple. The minister went there and arrived back with the idol.
While coming back, they stopped for a night at Champakkulam to perform a holy ceremony. The following morning, a colorful procession of beautifully decorated boats assembled to escort the auspicious idol to the temple across a lake.
This tradition has now became the converted in mega event of Boat Race carnival to honour the age old tradition alive till date.