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Last Login: 5/21/2007 9:47 PM
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A Kerala Tourism may include a performance of boat races. For ages, Keralites have cherished a reverential attitude to rivers. When the weather becomes delightfully pleasant and the nature exults in her full glory, it is the apt time for Keralites to hold the Jalotsavam (water - carnivals).
Boat race is in a way a display of physical might of the people who forget their differences in partaking in this sport. The most famous is the Aranmula Snake Boat Race conducted on the Uthrittathi day of Chingom (August-September). The carnival is held to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna on that day. The deity is supposed to be in all the boats that take part in the carnival and all of them are expected to arrive at their destination simultaneously.
There is thus no element of competition in the Aranmula Boat Race as in other regattas held in this district and elsewhere. The race is not conducted to win any trophy or prize. The crew regard the occasion as one for rejoicing and merry-making and cheerfully row up and down the river to the tune of songs.
Even though the festival is of Hindu origin and is associated with the Parthasarathy Temple, it is an all-community affair and participants include members of all classes and communities living in and around Aranmula.
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Post #737
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