Venue: Payippad backwaters, near Payippad in Alappuzha district
This is another spectacular boat race of Kerala held annually on the Payippad River in Alappuzha. The boat race commemorates the legend associated with the installation of the idol at the Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Haripad. The legend says that the villagers once had a vision, which directed them to a whirlpool in Kayamkulam Lake where they discovered the idol of Sree Subramanya. The Payippad Boat Race is held every year to remember this event.
The race has the largest participation of snake boats after the Nehru Trophy boat race. Apart from the breathtaking race of the snake boats and other country boats the event is made more impressive by colourful water pageants.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Haripad, about 5 km.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha.
Disclaimer
In Kerala, festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam calendar and the local traditions and customs. We have calculated the festival dates based on these. But there can be changes in the dates according the customs and rituals associated with each place of worship. As such, these should be considered only as approximate dates and have to be confirmed with the local authorities.