Event Information

One of the earliest boat races in Thrissur district, Kandassamkadavu race is annually held on the day of Thiruvonam in Conolly Canal. The first Kandassamkadavu boat race was held in the year of 1956, in association with the Kerala Formation Day. Two Churulan boats participated in the event that year. After a small gap, the race was held again in 1962 in association with the Onam celebrations of Manalur panchayat. By 1968, this event also came to a halt. 

A few of the members who were instrumental in organising the first boat race came together in 1976 and formed the Kandassamkadavu Jalavahini Boats Club. In 1977, they organised a boat race on the second day of Onam. Until 1990, this event continued every year without much problems on the second day of Onam. The expenses of the event were a big challenge foe the organisers. The cost of bringing boats and rowers was high, which eventually forced them to cancel the event. 

In 2011, the district administration, Manalur Grama Panchayat and Thrissur DTPC joined hands in re-introducing the event. A 10-day Onam celebration also started being organised as a part of this. The race is conducted today for the Chief Minister’s Ever Rolling Trophy. The race track is 990 metres long and extends from Pulam Puzhakkadavu to Kandassamkadavu Boat Jetty in the Conolly Canal.