Baot races in Kerala is considered to be an unparalleled attraction of God's Own Country. It is a great event as important as the land’s ethos as the elephant pageantand also signifies the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the people of this backwater country. An occasions of great excitement is also reflected on the eve of boat races.
The snake boat races of Kerala. Magnificent fiestas that brings alive the tranquil backwaters. Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world, the snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades. Usually, a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100-125 oarsmen, who row in unison to the fast rhythm of vanchipattu (song of the boatman). Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish. The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs.The boat races are usually held during the months of August to September.
Some of the major Boat Races in Kerala are the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali and Payippad Jalotsavam