ALAPPUZHA: Marking the grand, centuries-old traditional opening of the annual water regatta season in Kerala, the famous Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is set to unfold today on the Pampa River. Seven majestic Chundan Vallams (snake boats) are geared up for a fierce battle to claim the prestigious Rajapramukhan Trophy. Minister for State Cultural Affairs P. C. Vishnunath will officially inaugurate the state event. Meanwhile, a minor political debate has emerged in the region following the state government’s decision to turn down a proposal requesting a localized public holiday for Kuttanad Taluk.
Reaffirming the cultural depth of the festival, Kuttanad MLA Reji Cheriyan stated that legislative disagreements would not dim the vibrant spirit of this ancient celebration. He expressed certainty that the footfall would double this year. “Though we requested a localized holiday, the administration denied it. We are hopeful about securing it next year. However, even without an official announcement, the day functions like a holiday for the people of Kuttanad. This 400-year-old race is a cornerstone of our heritage. It is intertwined with the identity of every Kuttanad resident, and its momentum cannot be stalled,” the legislator added.
The MLA recalled that during public interactions, people frequently ask about the holiday status, to which he promises a positive resolution in future editions. The political argument intensified during the assembly session when UDF MLA Reji Cheriyan presented a formal submission regarding the June 29 holiday. While the Chief Minister initially promised to evaluate the request, Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan was inadvertently caught on an active microphone saying “under no circumstances should it be given” upon returning to his seat, triggering criticism across regional political groups.
Ranked as the oldest water regatta in Kerala after the Aranmula Boat Race, the Champakulam event is held annually on the Moolam asterism of the Malayalam month of Mithunam. The water carnival is closely linked with the historical installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, a tradition tracing back to 1545 AD (720 Malayalam Era). According to legends, King Devanarayana of Chempakassery constructed the temple but discovered an unfavorable omen right before the installation. He tasked his minister, Parayil Menon, with locating a flawless replacement idol.
The minister identified an ideal idol belonging to the Valiyamadom family at the Karikkulam Parthasarathy Temple in Kurichi, which was believed to be a divine gift from Lord Krishna to Arjuna. After obtaining their permission, the minister’s entourage transported the idol by boat. To avoid midnight bandits, they intended to pause at Madathil temple but deemed it unsafe for the night. Consequently, they safely stored the sacred idol at the residence of Mappilassery Itti Thommen, a prominent Christian household in Champakulam, and immediately sent word to the King.
On the following day, marked by the Moolam star, the Chempakassery King arrived at the Mappilassery residence alongside a spectacular flotilla of local boats and citizens. The idol was then escorted to Ambalappuzha with grand musical honors and successfully consecrated. Commemorating this royal expedition, a special emissary from Ambalappuzha temple still visits the Mappilassery house every year with traditional ‘Palpayasam’ (milk pudding). The boat race commences only after ceremonial prayers are held at the household, continuing a vibrant legacy of community harmony through colourful water floats, traditional art forms, and high-octane competitive racing across multiple categories.
ലഘു വിവരണം
കേരളത്തിലെ വള്ളംകളി സീസണിന് തുടക്കം കുറിച്ചുകൊണ്ട് ചരിത്രപ്രസിദ്ധമായ ചമ്പക്കുളം മൂലം വള്ളംകളി ഇന്ന് പമ്പാനദിയിൽ നടക്കും. കുട്ടനാട് താലൂക്കിന് പ്രാദേശിക അവധി നിഷേധിച്ചതുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട് നിയമസഭയിൽ പ്രതിപക്ഷ നേതാവിന്റെ മൈക്ക് വിവാദം ഉയർന്നുവന്നെങ്കിലും വലിയ ജനപങ്കാളിത്തമാണ് പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്നത്. എ.ഡി 1545 മുതൽ ആരംഭിച്ച ഈ ജലോത്സവം അമ്പലപ്പുഴ ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണ ക്ഷേത്രത്തിലെ വിഗ്രഹ പ്രതിഷ്ഠയുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട ഐതിഹ്യത്തിന്റെ സ്മരണ പുതുക്കലാണ്. മാപ്പിളശ്ശേരി തറവാട്ടിലെ ചടങ്ങുകൾക്ക് ശേഷമാണ് മത്സരങ്ങൾ ആരംഭിക്കുക.
(With inputs from MN)
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