Kerala’s boat races, known as Vallam Kali, are vibrant cultural events that showcase the state’s maritime heritage, teamwork, and festive spirit. Held primarily during the Onam festival season (August–September), these races feature traditional snake boats (Chundan Vallams) and other vessels, drawing thousands of spectators. This calendar outlines the major boat races scheduled from July 7, 2025, to July 6, 2026, based on confirmed dates for 2025 and estimated dates for 2026, derived from historical patterns and the Malayalam calendar. Below, we detail each race, its significance, location, and expected dates, along with a table summarizing the schedule.
Overview of Kerala Boat Races
Kerala’s boat races are deeply rooted in the state’s history, originating from naval exercises and evolving into competitive and ritualistic events. They are typically held in the backwaters of Alappuzha and nearby areas, with the Nehru Trophy Boat Race being the most competitive and the Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race the most ritualistic. The races are tied to the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham), a lunisolar calendar, with dates determined by lunar asterisms (nakshatras) and solar transits. The period from July to September aligns with the monsoon and Onam, making it the peak season for these events.
Confirmed and Estimated Dates
The following calendar covers the major boat races within the requested period (July 7, 2025 – July 6, 2026). For 2025, dates are confirmed based on reliable sources, while 2026 dates are estimated due to limited availability of the 2026 Malayalam calendar. Exact dates for 2026 should be verified closer to the events through official sources like Kerala Tourism or local event organizers.
2025 Boat Races
The 2025 boat race season includes five major events, all occurring within the requested period:
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Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
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- Date: July 9, 2025
- Location: Pamba River, Champakulam, Alappuzha
- Significance: One of the oldest boat races, dating back to the 16th century, commemorating the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple. Held on the Moolam Nakshatra in the Malayalam month of Mithunam (Midhunam 28, 2025).
- Highlights: Features a grand procession of decorated boats, including Chundan Vallams, with cultural performances and the prestigious Rajpramukhan Trophy, instituted in 1952 by the Travancore king.
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Nehru Trophy Boat Race
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- Date: August 9, 2025
- Location: Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha
- Significance: The most competitive and popular race, named after Jawaharlal Nehru, who donated a silver trophy in 1952. Part of the Champions Boat League (CBL) since 2019, it attracts over 200,000 spectators.
- Highlights: Over 70 boats, including 15–20 Chundan Vallams, compete over a 1.4 km course, with rowers achieving 90–120 strokes per minute. The event is known for its vibrant atmosphere and Vanchipattu (boat songs).
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Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race
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- Date: August 25, 2025
- Location: Pamba River, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta
- Significance: The oldest and most ritualistic race, tied to the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, held on the Uthrittathi (Uttarabhadra) Nakshatra in Chingam. It commemorates the temple’s idol installation and is more devotional than competitive.
- Highlights: Features Palliyodams (sacred snake boats) with synchronized rowing and Vanchipattu in the nathonnatha vritham style. The race starts with a water procession at 1:30 PM.
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Payippad Jalotsavam
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- Date: August 28, 2025 (main race day)
- Location: Payippad Lake, Alappuzha
- Significance: A three-day festival commemorating the installation of the deity at the Haripad Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, held on the Chitra (Chathayam) Nakshatra in Chingam.
- Highlights: Includes a grand water procession on the first two days and a competitive race on the third day, featuring numerous Chundan Vallams. It is one of the most colorful festivals with significant community participation.
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Kumarakom Boat Race
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- Date: August 28, 2025
- Location: Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom
- Significance: Also known as the Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race, it commemorates the visit of Sree Narayana Guru in 1903, held on the Chitra (Chathayam) Nakshatra in Chingam.
- Highlights: Features smaller Iruttukuthi boats alongside Chundan Vallams, with a focus on community participation and a scenic backdrop. The Sree Narayana Ever Rolling Trophy is awarded to the winner.
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2026 Boat Races
For 2026, only two races fall within the requested period (July 7, 2025 – July 6, 2026) due to the timing of the Malayalam calendar:
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Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
- Date: Estimated early July 2026 (likely July 7–10, pending Moolam Nakshatra in Mithunam)
- Location: Pamba River, Champakulam, Alappuzha
- Significance: As in 2025, it marks the deity installation at the Ambalappuzha temple. The exact date depends on the Moolam Nakshatra in Mithunam (May 20 – June 20, 2026, based on solar transit).
- Highlights: Similar to 2025, with a focus on cultural processions and competitive racing.
- Note: The exact date is not confirmed due to the unavailability of the 2026 Malayalam calendar. Based on the 2025 date (July 9, Midhunam 28), it is likely to occur around July 7–10, 2026.
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Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- Date: August 8, 2026
- Location: Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha
- Significance: Held on the second Saturday of August, continuing its tradition as the premier competitive race.
- Highlights: Expected to feature the same scale and excitement as in 2025, with Chundan Vallams and Vanchipattu.
- Source: Based on the consistent scheduling on the second Saturday of August.
Notes on 2026 Dates
- Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race: Likely in late August 2026, on the Uthrittathi Nakshatra in Chingam (starting August 17, 2026). As it typically follows the Nehru Trophy, it may fall around August 25–30, 2026, but this is outside the requested period.
- Payippad Jalotsavam: Expected in late August 2026, on the Chitra Nakshatra in Chingam, likely August 28–30, 2026, but outside the requested period.
- Kumarakom Boat Race: Also expected in late August 2026, on the Chitra Nakshatra, likely coinciding with Payippad on August 28, 2026, but outside the requested period.
- Verification: Exact nakshatra dates for 2026 require a detailed Malayalam panchangam, which is not yet available.
Calendar Table
The following table summarizes the confirmed and estimated dates for the Kerala boat races from July 7, 2025, to July 6, 2026:
| Boat Race | Date | Location | Nakshatra/Month | Notes |
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| Champakulam Moolam | July 9, 2025 | Pamba River, Champakulam, Alappuzha | Moolam/Mithunam | Confirmed date; oldest race, tied to Ambalappuzha temple. |
| Nehru Trophy | August 9, 2025 | Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha | Second Saturday of August | Confirmed; most competitive race, part of Champions Boat League. |
| Aranmula Uthrattathi | August 25, 2025 | Pamba River, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta | Uthrittathi/Chingam | Confirmed; ritualistic race tied to Parthasarathy Temple. |
| Payippad Jalotsavam | August 28, 2025 | Payippad Lake, Alappuzha | Chitra/Chingam | Confirmed; three-day festival, main race on August 28. |
| Kumarakom Boat Race | August 28, 2025 | Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom | Chitra/Chingam | Confirmed; Sree Narayana Jayanthi race, coincides with Payippad. |
| Champakulam Moolam | July 7–10, 2026 (est.) | Pamba River, Champakulam, Alappuzha | Moolam/Mithunam (est.) | Estimated; exact date depends on 2026 nakshatra calendar. |
| Nehru Trophy | August 8, 2026 | Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha | Second Saturday of August | Confirmed; consistent annual scheduling. |
Cultural and Historical Context
Kerala’s boat races are more than sporting events; they are celebrations of the state’s maritime heritage, community unity, and religious traditions. Originating from naval exercises in the 13th century, when kings used Chundan Vallams for warfare, these races evolved into cultural spectacles. The Champakulam race, linked to the Ambalappuzha temple, and the Aranmula race, tied to the Parthasarathy Temple, carry deep spiritual significance. The Nehru Trophy, established in 1952, reflects modern competitive spirit, while Payippad and Kumarakom races blend tradition with local pride. The Vanchipattu songs, synchronized rowing, and vibrant decorations enhance the festive atmosphere, making these events a highlight of Kerala’s tourism calendar.
Planning Your Visit
- Best Time: July to September, during the monsoon and Onam season, offers the best experience with vibrant festivities.
- Booking: Reserve accommodations in Alappuzha or Kumarakom early, as hotels fill up quickly. Ch
- Viewing Tips: Arrive early for riverbank spots or book VIP tickets for races like the Nehru Trophy. Houseboats offer premium views for Payippad and Kumarakom races.
- Cultural Respect: At ritualistic races like Aranmula, maintain decorum due to their religious significance.
- Local Experience: Enjoy Kerala cuisine like puttu, appam, and fish curry at nearby stalls, and engage with locals to learn about traditions.
The Kerala boat races from July 7, 2025, to July 6, 2026, offer a unique opportunity to witness the state’s cultural vibrancy. With confirmed dates for 2025 and estimated dates for 2026, this calendar provides a guide to plan your visit. The races, set against Kerala’s scenic backwaters, combine athleticism, tradition, and community spirit, making them unmissable events.