In 2025, the thrilling Vallam Kali Snake Boat Races breathe life into Kerala's tranquil waterways
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Vallam Kali, a legendary snake boat race in Kerala, India, is deeply entwined with the region's culture and history. This traditional boat race, featuring long, sleek wooden vessels called Chundan Vallams, is a spectacle that not only honours the harvest festival of Onam but also embodies the pulse of tradition for the people of Kerala.
The origins of Vallam Kali can be traced back centuries to royal traditions, where local kings organised boat contests to display naval strength. Over time, these events combined with temple rituals and community celebrations, forming a unique tradition that honours Kerala's maritime heritage and unity.
One of the most notable Vallam Kali races is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha, first held in 1952. This grand opener of the Champions Boat League (CBL), Kerala's premier regatta circuit, is held on the picturesque Ashtamudi Lake on Kerala Piravi (statehood day), November 1. Another significant race is the Champakulam Moolam, considered the oldest Vallam Kali race, which traces its roots to the installation of the idol at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple.
The President's Trophy Boat Race in Kollam, held on November 1, is another popular event. This race takes place across the placid expanse of Ashtamudi Lake. Vallam Kali is also an integral part of the Onam festival, with many races taking place during this season, from July to September. Some culminate on Kerala Piravi (November 1).
The Chundan Vallams, built from hardwoods such as anjili, follow time-tested proportions and are 100-feet-long vessels crewed by 80-150 oarsmen, helmsmen, and singers. The boats are adorned with ornate carvings, brass fixtures, and decorative umbrellas. The oarsmen wear traditional white dhotis and turbans.
The geography of Kerala, marked by an abundance of lakes, has played a significant role in the region's history and culture. For centuries, Kerala's people have depended on waterways for transport, trade, and fishing. This maritime heritage is evident in the traditional boat races, which were a significant part of harvest season and temple festivals, particularly in central Kerala where the concentration of lakes is greatest.
Training for Vallam Kali involves weekly sessions overseen by veteran oarsmen and includes strict rituals, vows of celibacy, and disciplined diets. The CBL, launched in 2019 by Kerala Tourism, features franchises, live broadcasts, and prize purses, bringing a modern twist to this ancient tradition.
The Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race in Pathanamthitta is a sacred regatta that honours Lord Krishna at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Boat races were a crucial part of resistance against Portuguese incursions, with traditional fisherfolk of Kerala demonstrating skilled naval skirmishes.
For the people of Kerala, Vallam Kali is not just an Onam spectacle; it is the pulse of tradition, alive in every stroke. The boats, as they glide across the water, are a testament to the region's rich history and the enduring spirit of its people.
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