Event Information

The Champakkulam Boat Race, held in the picturesque village of Champakkulam in Alappuzha district, is one of the most iconic and oldest snake boat races in Kerala. Typically taking place in June or July, this annual event marks the beginning of the boat race season in the state. The Pampa River provides the perfect setting for this exhilarating race, drawing massive crowds who come to witness the spectacular competition.

The history of the Champakkulam Boat Race is deeply intertwined with the cultural and religious traditions of the region. The race commemorates the installation of the idol of Lord Krishna at the Sree Krishna Swamy Temple in Ambalappuzha. According to legend, the original idol installed in the temple was found to be impure, prompting the then king of Chembakassery to find a replacement. A suitable idol was identified at the Kurichi Karikkulam Parthasarathy Temple, and with the consent of the Kurichi Valiamadom family, the idol was brought to Ambalappuzha. During this journey, the king's minister and his team halted for the night at the home of Mappilassery Itty Thommen in Champakkulam to avoid bandits. The next day, the king joined them, and a grand procession accompanied the idol to its new home.

The boat race is held annually to honor this historic procession. Each year, a team from Ambalappuzha visits the Mappilassery family with palpayasam, a sweet dessert special to the Ambalappuzha temple. After prayers and rituals, the race kicks off, creating a festive atmosphere that engulfs the entire village.