Click to play videoAlapuzha, Kerala: Monsoon marks the beginning of the boat race season in Kerala. This year communal harmony is the central theme.
Even as the state has received less rains this year, it has failed to mar the spirits of enthusiastic participants of the traditional 'Champakulam Vallamkali ' or Champakulam boat race along the backwaters of Pamapa river in Alappuzha.
This legendary race kicked off on July 6 saw a plethora snake boats competing each other to prove their dominance over the waters.
"Champakulam marks the starting of the boat races here. This time round we have made communal harmony as the theme and we have requested people of all communities to take part and make this a huge success," said captain ITL boat club, Sunil Joseph.
This annual race celebrates its legendary past every year. An erstwhile ruler who was carrying the idol of Lord Krishna through the waters to his kingdom.
On the course of his journey he stopped on the banks of this river. And on his way back hundreds of boats escorted the idol in colorful, ceremonial procession to the temple.
"Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri, had to bring Krishna's idol from a far off place and its said he rested here for one night on his way back. The next day, when he got up he was dumbstruck to see hundreds of boats waiting to escort him and the idol. We celebrate that moment with the race," said organiser, Jonichan.
Village after village is now gearing up for the races to be held over the next few months. With men preparing to reach the finishing line before the others.
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