Vallam Kali, aka boat race, is a traditional water sport and one of the most popular events during the Onam festival in my home state Kerala. It is a spectacular and adrenaline-pumping competition where different types of boats participate, manned by rowers who compete against each other in various categories.
The main attraction of Vallam Kali is the snake boat race (Chundan Vallam), which involves long and sleek boats with raised prows resembling the hood of a snake. These boats can be up to 100 feet in length and accommodate more than a hundred rowers. Each boat is accompanied by a large number of oarsmen, a helmsman at the rear, and a group of singers who chant traditional boat songs (Vanchipattu) to encourage the rowers.
