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TheSree Narayana Jayanthi Vallam Kali or Boat Race, atKumarakom,Kerala is held in September every year duringOnam festival. More than 1,000 oarsmen in boats of different sizes and shapes take part. Even though snake boats participate in this race, the importance given here is foriruttukuthi, in which about 50 oarsmen row. The successful iruttukuthi wins the Sree Narayana Ever Rolling Trophy.
In 1903, theSree Narayana Guru arrived atKumarakom to consecrate an idol of Sri Balasubrahmonia Swami at theKumarakom. After much hesitation, he agreed to consecrate the idol since he was more interested in starting a school at the backward village. Eventually, both the school and the temple were started as per the wish of the Guru. The arrival of the Guru was a great day of celebration for the people of this undistinguished village by the Vembanad lake and they welcomed the sage into their midst, accompanying him in their boats in a procession. To commemorate this event, for the past few decades, a boat race, preceded by a boat procession, are held as part of theSri Narayana Jayanthi celebrations atKumarakom.
The day begins with special pujas at the Kumaramangalom Temple. This is followed by Gurupuja and Gurupushpanjali at the Gurumandiram. Arts and sports competitions for children are held as part of the celebrations during the forenoon. TheKumarakom boat race commences. Prior to this, the grand procession of country boats carrying a portrait ofSree Narayana Guru and thethidampu from Kumaramangalom Temple is held up to Kottathodu, the venue of the boat race. The celebrations conclude with a public meeting and distribution of prizes for the winners.
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