Champakulam Boat Race is one of the oldest boat races (vallam kali) that comes to life every year. As the state gears up for the much-awaited race season, there’s a buzz of excitement around, and the festive spirit has taken over already. Held on 9 July 2025, Champakulam Moolam Boat Race 2025 not only marks monsoon festivities of Kerala, but also has a religious significance. Celebrated annually on the Pampa River, it honors the installation of the deity at Ambalappuzha Sri Swamy Temple. Read this blog to learn about this spectacular race.
Champakulam Boat Race 2025: Everything to Know About Kerala’s Most Iconic Race
Champakulam Boat Race is not just a sporting spectacle, but a celebration of rich cultural and historical legacy of Kerala. It is held every year on Moolam of Malayalam month Midhunam, which typically falls between late June and early July. Visitors can watch the thrilling boat race, indulge in traditional rituals, attend cultural events, and relish festive feasts. While you plan to witness the grand festivities on the banks of Pampa River, there are several details that you must know about this iconic boat race festival. In this blog, let’s explore key details like Champakulam Boat Race 2025 winners, exclusive celebrations, and everything that made it unmissable!
Champakulam Boat Race 2025 Winners
This year, Cheruthana Puthen Chundan snakeboat, rowed by Cheruthana New Boat Club, won the Raja Pramukhan Trophy at the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race. This race was held on the Pampa River at Champakulam in Kuttanad on July 9, 2025.
The second position is secured by Chambakulam Chundan, rowed by Chambakulam Boat Club, followed by Ayaparambu Valiyadivanji Chundan, rowed by Niranam Boat Club at third spot.
A total of six boats competed in the snake boat category.
Races were also held in other categories:
- In the Veppu ‘A’ grade, Ambalakadavan boat (Kumarakom Town Boat Club) won.
- In the Veppu ‘B’ grade, P G Karippuzha boat (Kondakkal Boat Club) won.
Before the race, officials visited the Champakulam Madathil Temple, Mappilassery family, and Kalloorkad St Mary’s Basilica to perform rituals.
History and Significance of Champakulam Boat Race
Locally known as the Moolam Vallam kali festival, Champakulam boat race marks a significant event on Kerala’s cultural calendar. Its origin dates to 1545 AD, making it one of the earliest and most historic boat races in Kerala.
As per legend, Maharaja Devanarayana Thampuran, then-ruler of Chembakassery Kingdom, got Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple constructed upon the advice of his royal astrologers. Being an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, he wanted to install the deity in the newly constructed temple. However, the selected idol was identified as inauspicious right before the consecration ceremony.
After much effort, the idol at Karinkulam Sree Parthasaradhy Temple in Kurichy (near present-day Kottayam city) was recognized as a suitable replacement. It is believed that the idol was given to Arjuna by Lord Krishna himself – and there could be nothing more auspicious than that.
When the idol was being brought from Kurichy, the King’s men stopped for the night at his confidant Anjilimoottil Itty Thommen Kathanar’s house in Champakulam. Itty Thommen and his family welcomed king’s men and Hindu idol in their home with warmth and honor despite being from the Christian community.
The next morning, Maharaja Devanarayana and his entourage turned up at Mappilassery House along with a large crowd of locals. After offering ‘pujas’ to the deity, the idol was transported to Ambalapuzha in grand flotilla of boats escorted by Itty Thommen, his men, and Christian priests. Upon reaching Ambalapuzha, the idol of Shree Krishna was consecrated at the temple with great reverence and vibrant festivities.
Pleased with the affection from his Christian subjects, Maharaja Devanarayana declared the annual celebration of Moolam Boat Race in Champakulam. What started as a gesture of gratitude many centuries back has evolved into the grand spectacle we see today, where villagers compete in a snake boat race to celebrate their tradition, unity and strength.
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Key Highlights of Champakulam Boat Race 2025
Here are the most captivating aspects that make this Alleppey boat race a must-see for everyone.
Snake Boat Race
The star attraction of this is Chundan Vallams – the iconic snake boats stretching up to 100 meters. They are not just vessels sailing across River Pampa, but a symbol of Kerala’s heritage.
These boats are meticulously crafted into a sleek wooden design with raised prows resembling a snake’s head and decorated with colorful silk umbrellas. Each boat can hold about 100 rowers, who move with synchronized strokes and chant traditional boat songs (Vanchipattu).
The massive boats gliding through the Pampa River is a sight to behold, making it one of the most exciting things to do in Kerala during the monsoon season.
However, this is not the end, but the beginning of a race season that will see many more thrilling competitions in the upcoming month.
Cultural Programs
Like other festivals in India, Moolam Vallamkali is incomplete without vibrant cultural festivities. Apart from colorful processions and water floats, various programs are hosted on the banks of Pampa River, including musical and dance performances that offer an insight into the rich culture of Kerala.
Local artists perform classical dances such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Theyyam, each telling stories of folklore. The oarsmen sing Vanchipattu while rowing their decorated boats in unison, each of which honor the nature, villagers’ pride and victories.
Food stalls serving traditional delicacies like karimeen fry and kappa (tapioca) on banana leaves create an unforgettable experience for the visitors. Moreover, the cheers of spectators for their favorite teams only add to the festive atmosphere.
Moolakazcha Ceremony
Before the boat race begins, Moolakazcha Ceremony is performed by the priests of Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple at Mappilassery House, where Maharaja Devanarayana’s loyal subject Itty Thommen lived with his family. A burning lamp (Vazhakoombu Vilakku) is lit near the Christian icons, including the statues of Jesus and Mary and the Cross. The ceremony signifies an auspicious start to the event by seeking blessings of divine God and acknowledging the historical connection between the temple and Mappilassery family.
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How to Reach Champakulam
By Air: Fly to Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi, located approximately 99 kilometers from Champakulam. Upon arrival at the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a public bus to reach Champakulam in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Train: Ambalappuzha (AMPA) Railway Station is the nearest arrival point to Champakulam, located at a distance of 10.7 kilometers. The station receives over 18 trains daily from major cities across the country. From there, use a local bus or rental taxi to get to Champakulam.
By Road: Champakulam Bus Stand in Alleppey district shares a strong road connectivity to major cities across the state. Private taxis and rental cars are easily available from the bus stand, ensuring a comfortable journey to Champakulam.
Champakulam Boat Race is literally the rhythm of Kerala’s soul. From the thrilling boat race to spiritual rituals and cultural celebrations, everything carries the essence of Kerala’s rich legacy. Whether you are looking forward to witnessing the snake boats racing in sync or diving into the history and significance of the race, the event is sure to leave you captivated. So, if you are planning to attend this scintillating water carnival this year, book one of our Kerala tour packages today. While you are there, don’t forget to explore the popular places to visit in Alleppey and try your hand at a variety of local activities for a memorable experience!
Champakulam Boat Race - FAQ’s
Champakulam Boat Race takes place every year on Moolam day of Midhunam month on Malayalam calendar. This year, it falls on 9 July 2025 (Wednesday).
Champakulam Boat Race is a significant cultural and religious celebration for the local community. It is celebrated every year with great enthusiasm to commemorate the installation of Lord Krishna’s idol at the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple.
You can get to Champakulam by air, road, and train from anywhere in the world. The nearest arrival terminals have public transportation and rental taxis available for further journeys.
Karimeen Pollichathu and Kappa (Tapioca) with Meen Curry are the two most popular dishes that you must try during Champakulam Boat Race in Kerala. Pal Payasam served at temples is also worth savoring.
Champakulam Boat Race is a day-long event, which takes place on Pampa River in Alleppey district of Kerala. There is no specific duration of the race, but the participants must sail a route of approximately 1.38 kilometers during the day.
Kasavu sarees, coir products, carved wooden statues, handcrafted jewelry, nilavilakku (traditional oil lamp), and aromatic oils are some popular souvenirs to buy from Champakulam in Kerala.
Yes, it is suggested to book Alleppey tour packages well in advance to attend the Champakulam Boat Race. Since it is a major event attracting global visitors, accommodations and flights fill quickly. Consider early booking to avoid missing out and avail better deals.
The boat race season in Kerala is during the monsoon months from July to September every year. Champakulam Boat Race marks the beginning of the season, which is typically held in late June or early July.
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