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The state of Kerala in India is a tourist’s delight with its amazing beautiful back waters that run throughout the state. The best way to enjoy these back waters is to witness the amazing boat Race festivals held here every year across different seasons. One of the most famous boat Race festivals in Kerala is the Payippad Boat Race.The Payippad Boat Race is a three-day event organized in the month of September each year. It is held in the Payippad Lake in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. This festival is celebrated in the commemoration of the installation of the idol at the Subramanyan Swamy Temple in Haripad. Payippad boat race is a spectacular event that is held every year in the month of either August or September. In Kerala, Payippad boat race is a major event that draws a huge crowd from all nearby places. The Payippad boat race of Kerala is held in Payippadu near Harippad in Kerala. The boat race is a time to have fun and indulge in festivity in galore. Payippadu Jalolsavam is held on the Payippad Lake, 35 Km from Alappuzha, in memory of the 'Prathista' (Installation) ceremony of the deity at the Haripad Subrahmanya Swamy Temple. There is a legend behind the installation of the deity- the deity is believed to have been recovered from the Kayamkulam lake according to a vision of one of the devotees of Subrahmanya. The Jalosavam which commences on the festival day of Onam in August/ September, is celebrated for three days and includes boat processions and races. Spectacular Snake boat (Chundanvalloms) processions are taken out accompanied by Vanchipattu (song of the oarsmen) on the first two days. The competitive boat-race takes place on the third day. As the name suggests this festival has a major attraction of boat Races. The boats used in this festival are termed as Snake boats as they resemble snakes in their appearances. These 100 feet long boats can accommodate around 100 people at a time. A single boat generally comprises of oarsmen and musicians who sing and shout throughout the event making the environment rise in verve and energy. This one boat race is enough to set the river on fire what with thousands of enthusiastic people flocking the venue to enjoy this event. The main attraction, are the 100 feet long boats that are decorated beautifully by local craftsmen. These boats are popularly known as "snake boats" and can accommodate more than 100 people at a time. Usually, musicians who sing and play instruments, accompany the oarsmen to keep up the energy levels and at the same time make the atmosphere lively and electrifying.It is all about team spirit and the boat race held annually on the Payippad River is a real crowd puller. Here, speed does matter and so do the high decibel cheering of the spectators that liven up the spirits of the rowers throughout the course of the race. The attractions of the event include snake boat races, extravagant water pageants with floats, decorated boats and many folk art performances. Getting there: |
Location info: |
Address:Payippad Lake, 35 km from Alappuzha district of Kerala |
District: Alappuzha |
Nearest City: Payippad |
Best time to visit: Month of September |
History: |
According to legends, the residents of Haripad village once decided to build a temple, with the presiding deity being Sree Ayyappa. Before the idol was installed the villagers had some kind of a prophetic enlightment in which they were directed to install the idol of Sri Subramanya Swamy which could be found under a whirlpool in the Kayamkulam River.As obedient devotees, divers and swimmers from the village rowed to the whirlpool and brought back the Subramanya vigrah in a boat. This idol was then installed in the temple, amid much jamboree. So in mark of respect to this legendary episode,Kerala Payippad Jalotsavam is conducted every year. |
Interesting things to do: |
Interesting things to Visit: |
QST and R block kayal Arthunkal Ambalappuzha Punnamada Lake Karimadi Kuttanad Pathiramanal (14 kilometers from Alappuzha) Karumadikuttan Nehru Trophy Boat Race Houseboat Cruises Chavara Bhavan Krishnapuram Palace Edathua church Alappuzha beach Karumadi Krishnapuram Palace Pandavan Parra Light House Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple Champakulam Church |
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Police Station: Marrarikulam Police Station Pulincunnoo Police Station Nedumudy Police Station Ambalapuzha Police Station Muhamma Police Station Chingavanam Police Station West Police station East police station Mavelikara Police Station Thrikkunnapuzha Police Station |
Nearest Hospital: District Ayurveda Hospital Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital, Pvt Ltd. Vandanam Medical College Hospital Nairs Hospital St Anthony's Hospital Bharath Hospital Hail Mary Hospital Ranjini Eye Hospital |
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