Onam And Boat Race

Introduction and history: The colourful festival of Onam is the Harvest festival of Kerala in India, held every year. The festival celebrated over a period of ten days incorporates special activities such as Boat racing, Pookalam, Onakalikal and lots more. Legend says that Kerala’s wise Demon king Mahabali was exiled from his land by lord Vishnu. But the lord was so pleased with the king’s generosity that he granted the king a boon. People welcome king Mahabali back from his exile once every year with cleaned houses, flower arrangements, sumptuous feasts. In the limelight of Onam festival is the Snake Boat race called Vallamkali appreciated by Prime Minister Nehru himself. The bank of river Pampa at Aranmulla is the primespot.The Snake boats are believed to have played the role of escorts for a devotee carrying food to the Aranmulla temple every year during Onam.

What to see and when to go: Onam begins with a grand procession called Athachamyam that includes Elephant processions, folk art presentations, music and dancing. The procession of Athachamyam is of marked importance at Thripunithura, Cochin.
On the fifth day of Onam celebrations the splendid Boat race is held on the bank of river Pampa at Aranmulla. Colourful flower rangolis called ‘Pookalam’ adorn everybody’s doorstep. Onam is celebrated in the month of August-September, which is the ideal time to visit the place.

Accommodation: Cochin offers range of accommodation facilities, which is really unique to the place. Starting from tree house, the options are available in form of floating in a traditional houseboat, living in the luxury of palaces and posh five star hotels. Plenty of cheap and good hotels and lodges are aplenty as well.

Mode of transport: Cochin has well developed international airport, which is well connected to all major domestic and international destinations. It is also one of the important railway junctions, which is well connected to various parts of India. Well regulated local transport is available in form of taxis and auto.

Related links:
• Comprehensive information about Cochin: http://www.cochin.org/
• Onam festival information: http://www.onamfestival.org

See also: Beaches at Kovalam, Hill stations of Munnar and Wayanad, Periyar and Eravikulam national Park, The backwaters at Alleppey, Heritage sites such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the Mattencherry palace.