Alappuzha: It’s that time of the year again when Alappuzha lives upto its reputation as the Venice of the East. With the prestigious Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) all set to kick off on Saturday, there is an air of excited anticipation in every home as people get ready to enjoy the internationally acclaimed annual regatta on the Punnamada Lake.
Living just about two kilometers from the Punnamada Lake, where the world famous boat race takes place every year, popular young actress, Saranya Mohan’s memories of her childhood are filled with visions of the event. “ When I was a class IV student, I remember I took part in the cultural programmes held for the Nehru Trophy boat race. I was part of a tableau as Lord Krishna . Its was an unforgettable experience. I was a regular at the race and would go to the home of one of my friends located on the banks of Punnamada to watch it,” she recalls.
Since becoming a celebrity she says she get VIP treatment and misses the fun of her childhood at the race. “ But still the hairs on my hand stand up as I hear the music of Vanchipattu,” she adds.
To her the boat race also marks the start of preparations for Onam and is the vehicle that ushers in Chingam, the first month of the New Year according to the traditional calendar of Malayalees.
Like others who have their favourite chundans, Saranya too has hers . Its the Champakulam chundan that she cheers for. And two years ago she fulfilled her long cherished dream of touching it, she reveals.
