Aranmula (Pathanamthitta): The annual snake boat regatta, Uthrattathi Vallamkali, was held within the Pampa at Aranmula with conventional fervour and gaiety on Saturday.
The snake boats (palliyodams) belonging to the Edasserimala and Edakkulam villages lifted the Mannam trophies within the ‘A’ and ‘B’ classes respectively. The winners additionally bagged the Devaswom Board’s trophy and money award.
As many as 48 snake boats took half within the race, held in two classes, whereas 51 snake boats participated within the pageantry.
Inaugurating the occasion right here within the afternoon, Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian stated steps could be taken to make the annual water regatta at Aranmula a key a part of the state’s cultural heritage. The boat race right here types the half and satisfaction of Aranmula natives, he stated.
“Plans are afoot to establish a Chengannur-Aranmula Heritage Village with the Pampa as its core at a cost of Rs 1 crore. The government aims to develop tourism while conserving the environment,” the minister added. Ok S Rajan, President of the Palliyoda Seva Sanghom, presided over the occasion.
On the event, Agriculture Minister P Prasad launched the memento titled ‘Panchajanyam’. Health Minister Veena George flagged off the snake boat pageantry whereas the Travancore Devaswom Board President Ok Ananthagopan inaugurated the boat race that adopted. Nair Service Society president P N V Ayyappan Pillai introduced trophies to the winners.
Earlier, braving the heavy downpour, an enormous crowd gathered on each side of the Pampa River to witness the race. The pleasure within the air was palpable proper from the morning as in a single day showers wiped off the lingering considerations of a declining water stage within the river.
The annual water carnival, which marks the anniversary of the idol set up on the Sree Parthasarathy temple, is thought to be one of many oldest occasions of its form within the state.
