Payippad Vallaarattu Boat Race

Payippad Vallaarattu or Jalotsavam is one of the finest and oldest snake boat races . The boat race is organized in a span of three days on the lake Payippad, which is located 35km from the District of Alappuzha there is a close relationship between the Payippad Jalotsavam and the Subramanya Swamy Temple situated at Haripad.The legend has that before the actual construction of Sree Ayyappan Temple, the people of Haripad village had a vision that they should install the idol of Subrahmanya which was to be found at the bottom of the Kayamkulam River. Interestingly, the idol was supposed to be placed under a whirlpool. The people found the idol at the exact location. Hence, they brought the idol to its present location on a boat. This festival is celebrated every year in commemoration of that event.

Time : September
Venue: Payippad lake

The main highlights of the Payippad Boat Race is Chundanvalloms or snake boats. The swift “Chundanvalloms” racing through the blue, crystalline waters are indeed a treat to the eyes of the spectators.The Payippad Boat Race is celebrated in the month of September every year respectively. Besides the boat race the spectacular water pageants are organized with water floats, decorated boats, performing arts,children in fancy attire etc. The vanchipattu is a characteristic feature of these processions. The event draws hundreds of thousands of spectators from all over.