Feast of Boat Race
About the Place
Several colourful festivals which are rich in traditions are held in Aranmula temple every year, which is believed to be 1700 years old. Thiruvonam is one among them.
What to See: Aranmula celebrations begin with the arrival of Thiruvonaththoni, the Thiruvonam boat. It brings the provisions and an ever-burning lamp from Kottoor temple. The provisions are for preparing the Thiruvonam meals. Eighteen oarsmen run the boat nagaswram. All are with religious rituals. The traverse is accompanied by a traditional musical pipe.
Uthrattathi day is the anniversary of the installation of the idol consecrated by Pandavas. About 50,000 people participate in the feast on Ashtami Rohini day. Rice is served with 68 side dishes.
Devotees hold the boats in esteemed reverence. Though
July-September is the best time to get the boat racing experience, this temple sight is a treat to watch if you are visiting Kerala.
How to Reach
Aranmula is about 128kms off Thiruvananthrapuram, the capital city of Kerala, on the banks of Pampa river. Tourists can alight at Chengannur Railway Station from the trains destined to Thiruvananthapuram. Aranmula is about 9.5 kms away from Chengannur.
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