ALAPPUZHA: Rhythmic Vanchippattu has started reverberating through the interiors of Kuttanad as boat clubs vying for the coveted Nehru Trophy started their practising sessions. It's a daily occurrence for Kuttanadans who converge on either bank of Pampa river cheering their favourite teams till the season ends. The villagers still keep the age-old tradition of making meals together and eating in public.
The 64th edition of Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) on August 13 in the Punnamada Lake here is expecting 20 snake boats each carrying 107 oarsmen to participate. United Boat Club (UBC) Kainakary had started training on their newly-constructed Gabriel Chundan near Kuttamangalam. Snake boats get smeared with sardine oil for smooth passage.
“The best oarsmen are selected under the supervision of senior most sailors,” said its president Antony Thomas. “Around 150 men are undergoing training now.” They have vowed strict abstinence and celibacy. Each ward in the village and generous individuals take their turn in feeding them at mass feasts on the river banks.
Even in the days of untouchability, this was a feature of the regattas. Caste Hindus, Scheduled Castes, Christians and Muslims sit in the same row for the feast. In fact, the Church has a traditional role in the celebrations though the festival has a temple legend. Tourists and enthusiasts have now started making their way to the interiors of Kuttanad to enjoy the rare treat. “This is the best time to visit Kuttanad," said C.V. Vinod Kumar, a boat race buff from Karichal.
