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Alappuzha -> Payippad Boat Race

Payippad Vallom Kali or Boat race is held during Onam days every year. It is held continuosly for 3 days starting from the Thiruvonam day in the Malayalam month of chingam. Payippad Vallom Kali is associated with the memory of "Prathishta" at Haripad Subrahmanya Swami Temple. So the boat race has got some religious significance too.

Legend:
People of Haripad village decided to build a temple for Lord Sastha. When the building of the temple was over and time for the Prathishta arrived, a heavenly sound announced that the idol of Lord Subrahmanya which was buried in the near by Kayamkulam lake should be installed in the new temple.

It was on the Chathayam day of the Malayalam month Chingam, that the idol of Lord Subrahmanya at Haripad was found from Kayamkulam lake and brought to Haripad on a kalivallom, along the Payippad river, in a procession of decorated canoes.

Snake boat processions are held on the first and second day. On the first day, children are allowed to take the boat for procession and on the second day 'Jalakhosha yathra' is held. 'Jalakhosha yathra' means Snake boat procession. All the major Snake boats in Alappuzha and Kottayam takes part in this race. The competition is held on the third day. The Payippad vallom kali is an event hundreds of years old.

Payippad Jalotsavam is held about 35km away from Alappuzha and can be reached by bus or train on the way to Haripad. It is held in August-September every year. There will be races for Chundan and Churulan boats.

View Payippad boat race photos

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