Festival

Vallam Kali

Snake-boat races of Kerala’s backwaters, peaking around Onam season.

About

Vallam Kali — snake-boat racing — is among Kerala’s most dramatic water spectacles. Long snake boats (chundan vallam) race on lakes and rivers with dozens of rowers in sync, often during Onam-related regattas such as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha. Boat songs (vanchipattu) and fierce local pride define the atmosphere.

Season Onam season (Aug–Sep), plus local regattas

Type Water festival / sport

Highlights Snake boats, vanchipattu, backwater races

Related arts

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Art forms closely tied to this festival season.

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Vanchipattu View Details

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Other celebrations across Kerala's calendar.

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