Boat Races

             In July to September ‘The Chundan Vallom’ (long slender wooden boats) is take part in a regatta inVembanad Lake. Decorated with brass embellishments and colorful regalia, these long slender crafts, made of teak and a hard wood called ‘Anjili’, are propelled by over hundred rowers whose hands work in unison to the feverish rhythms of folk songs belted out cheerleaders. The helmsman, who controls the proceedings, positions himself on the ‘Amaram’ and wields specially made extra long oars. Timing and team work is essential. The crews practice months in advance for D-day   when spectators throng the banks of the lake. A multi tiered spectator’s gallery, perched on a spur of land in the middle of the waters at ‘Punnamada Lake’ is a unique feature