25Sep
🚣♂️ Aymanam Boat Race 2025 – A Celebration of Culture, Unity & Tradition 🌊
The rhythmic splash of oars, the cheer of crowds along the riverbanks, and the melodies of vanchipattu echoing across the waters – these are the sights and sounds that make Kerala’s boat races an unforgettable experience. This October, the vibrant village of Aymanam is set to host its grand cultural festival, the Aymanam Boat Race (Aymanam Jalotsavam) 2025, on 📅 Sunday, October 05, 2025, at 2:30 PM, in the enchanting waters of Meenachilatta near Aikarasali Bridge.
🎉 The Day’s Program
The festivities will begin with a Cultural Conference at 2:00 PM:
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🙏 Prayer to the Lord: Shri. S. Srikanth Aymanam
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🎤 Welcome Address: Shri. Bijosh P.P, Chairman
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🌟 Inauguration: By Shri. V.N. Vasavan (Hon. Minister of Cooperatives, Ports & Devaswom)
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🏳️ Flag of Karma: Raised by Adv. K. Francis George (M.P, Kottayam)
The cultural conference will also feature greetings and blessings from distinguished leaders including Mrs. Arya Rajan (Ettumanoor Block Panchayat President), Mrs. Viji Rajesh (Aymanam Panchayat President), and other respected members of the local panchayat and community. Their presence highlights the unity of Aymanam, where leadership and local spirit come together for a grand celebration.
💃 Arts, Sports & Traditions on Display
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2:30 PM – Shivamaya Kalavedi Kaikottikkali
A traditional women’s group dance symbolizing joy, harmony, and the cultural grace of Kerala. -
3:00 PM – The Boat Race 🚣♂️🔥
The much-awaited competition on the Meenachil River. Colorful boats powered by spirited oarsmen will race to the beats of vanchipattu, as cheering crowds line the banks. The waterway near Aikarasali Bridge will turn into a festival ground filled with energy and pride. -
4:00 PM – Vanchipatt 🎶
The soulful boat songs that inspire teamwork and celebrate Kerala’s eternal bond with its rivers. -
5:30 PM – Closing Ceremony & Prize Distribution 🏆
🌿 A Celebration for Locals & Travelers
The Aymanam Boat Race is not only a competition – it is a festival of togetherness. The event brings villagers, leaders, and visitors under one umbrella of tradition. For travelers, this is the perfect chance to experience Kerala’s authentic river culture up close. Beyond the race, Aymanam is a picturesque village made famous by Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things”, with its lush greenery, canals, and timeless village charm.
Visitors can enjoy the celebrations and also explore nearby destinations like Kumarakom backwaters, heritage churches in Kottayam, and canoe rides through water lily-filled canals.
💌 Wishes from Kuttickattil Gardens Homestay
At Kuttickattil Homestay with pool nestled by the Meenachil River near Kumarakom, we take immense joy in seeing our beloved Aymanam celebrate its cultural heritage through the Aymanam Boat Race 2025.
We warmly welcome all guests and travelers to witness this vibrant festival, experience Kerala’s traditional arts, and enjoy the thrill of the boat race. After the celebrations, our homestay offers the perfect retreat with 🏡 cozy rooms, 🌊 riverside views, 🚣♀️ kayaking & canoe rides, 🏊♂️ swimming pool facilities, and authentic Kerala hospitality.
On this festive occasion, Kuttickattil Homestay extends heartfelt wishes to the organizers, participants, and the entire Aymanam community for a successful and joyous Jalotsavam 2025.
🌟 Final Word
The Aymanam Boat Race 2025 is not just an event – it is a reminder of Kerala’s deep-rooted traditions, unity, and cultural pride. Be there on October 05, 2025, to witness the oars slice through the waters of Meenachil, the crowd cheer in unison, and Kerala’s heritage shine bright.
25Sep
🚣♂️ 124th Kottayam Thazhathangadi Boat Race & CBL 2025 – Tradition Meets Thrill 🎉
Kerala’s backwaters are not just about 🌅 serene cruises and breathtaking sunsets; they are also the stage for some of the most electrifying cultural spectacles in the state – the snake boat races. Among them, the Kottayam Thazhathangadi Boat Race holds a special place, blending history, devotion, and community spirit with high-energy competition.
This year, the 124th edition is set to enthrall audiences on 📅 September 27, 2025, at 2 PM as part of the Champions Boat League (CBL) – Kerala’s very own IPL-style water regatta. ⚡
🎶 The Grand Prelude – September 26, 2025
The celebrations begin a day earlier with a vibrant procession on 📅 September 26 at 3:30 PM. 🚩
✨ Route: Starting from the Aruppuzha West Club, this colorful parade winds its way to the Mar Baselios Mar Gregorios Church courtyard near Alummoodu Junction, uniting crowds in a spirit of festivity.
Expect 🎺 traditional music, 🥁 chenda melam, 🎶 vanchipattu, cultural performances, and the majestic display of snake boats in their full grandeur. 🚣♂️
👉 For visitors, this is more than just a curtain-raiser – it’s your chance to immerse yourself in Kerala’s living traditions before race day fever grips the Meenachil River.
🚀 Race Day – September 27, 2025
The main event takes place on the scenic Meenachil River, famous for its narrow bends and challenging waters. 🌊
🔥 Highlights:
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Each chundan vallam (snake boat) ⛵, nearly 100 feet long, powered by almost 100 oarsmen rowing in perfect rhythm.
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Thunderous beats of vanchipattu echoing across the riverbanks. 🎶
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Thousands of cheering spectators 🏟️ creating a charged atmosphere.
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CBL setup with live commentary 🎤, giant screens 📺, drone views 🚁, and global livestreaming 🌍 for fans worldwide.
🕌 Significance of the Thazhathangadi Race
✨ One of Kerala’s oldest and most respected boat races with a history of more than a century.
✨ Hosted near the Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid, one of India’s oldest mosques – symbolizing communal harmony & unity.
✨ Now a proud part of the Champions Boat League, giving it international recognition 🌏.
✨ Teams here battle not just for victory but also for league points, adding to the thrill of the championship. 🏆
🧭 A Cultural Extravaganza for Tourists
If you’re visiting, here’s what you shouldn’t miss besides the race:
✅ Explore the historic lanes of Kottayam and its religious landmarks 🕍🕌⛪
✅ Take a canoe ride on the Meenachil River 🚣♀️ before the race.
✅ Stay at cozy Kuttickattil Gardens Homestay nearby 🏡 for authentic Kottayam hospitality.
✅ Relish Kerala cuisine 🍲🍌 at food stalls and enjoy cultural programs 🎭 around the festival grounds.
🌟 Final Word
The 124th Kottayam Thazhathangadi Boat Race & CBL 2025 is more than just a sporting competition – it’s a celebration of Kerala’s unity, tradition, and resilience. 💚
📅 Whether you join the procession on September 26 or the thrilling race on September 27, this event guarantees unforgettable memories.
So pack your bags 🎒, head to the banks of the Meenachil River, and watch history unfold as oars slice through the waters ⚡, hearts beat in unison ❤️, and Kerala’s cultural soul comes alive! 🌊🎶