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Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race

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Sree Narayana Jayanthi Vallam Kali or Boat Race, at Kumarakom, Kerala is held on month of September every year during Onam feastival. More than 1000 oarsmen in boats of different sizes and shapes will participate in this event. Even though Snake Boats participate in this race, the importance is given here is for iruttukuthi, in which about 50 oarsmen row. The Successful iruttukuthi will win The Sree Narayana Ever Rolling Trophy.

File:Kum1.jpg
A procession before Kumarakom boat race

Origin

It was in 1903 that the Sree Narayana Guru arrived at Kumarakom to consecrate an idol of Sri Balasubrahmonia Swamy at the Kumaramangalom Temple. In fact, it was after much hesitation that he agreed to consecrate the idol as he was more interested in starting a school at the backward village. Eventually, both the school and the temple were started as per the wish of the Guru. The arrival of the Guru was a great day of celebration for the people of this nondescript village by the Vembanad lake and they welcomed the sage into their midst, accompanying him in their boats in a procession. To commemorate this event, for the past many decades, a boat race, preceded by a boat procession are being held as part of the Sri Narayana Jayanthi celebrations at Kumarakom.

Celebrations

The day will begin with special pujas at the Kumaramangalom Temple . This will be followed by Gurupuja and Gurupushpanjali at the Gurumandiram. Arts and sports competitions for children will be held as part of the celebrations during the forenoon. The Kumarakom boat race will commence. Prior to this, the grand procession of country boats carrying a portrait of Sree Narayana Guru and the thidampu from Kumaramangalom Temple will be held up to Kottathodu, the venue of the boat race. The celebrations are scheduled to conclude with a public meeting and distribution of prizes for the winners.


See also


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