Monsoon in Kerala - It Is A Heady Concoction Of Emotions

Monsoon in Kerala

Rain is a heady concoction of emotions which has to be witnessed in all its grandeur. 

For those who enjoy downpours what better time to be in Kerala than the Monsoon season.  The Monsoon season in Kerala is indeed a heavenly spectacle as the whole of earth rejoices after being revived from the harsh summer spell.

As soon as billows of dark clouds start bearing down and the lighting and sound of thunder rips through the sky, the whole region bursts out in a carnival of sorts in the anticipation of the rain. And finally, as the rains come crashing down to the scorching earth with a hiss, it is pure magic, a delight to all the senses. 

The monsoons in Kerala follow a distinct pattern. The rains don’t stretch on for weeks but is punctuated by splashes of sunshine. These mild sunny spells strike the right balance and bathe the drenched landscapes in golden glory.  

Kerala bears witness to two rainy seasons- The Southwest Monsoons and the Northeast Monsoons.  The Southwest Monsoons, also called Edavappathy, arrives in the month of June. As the rains arrive in the middle of the month of Edavam in the Malayalam Calendar, it is called Edavappathy. The Northeast Monsoons make its presence felt mid-October, in the month of Thulam according to the Malayalam calendar and is hence called the Thulavarsham. 

The charm of the Monsoon is pronounced in hill stations and they offer the best vantage points to enjoy the showers. 

The Monsoon season is also the time for rejuvenation when Ayurvedic therapies are carried out. The ancient science of Ayurveda stipulates the Monsoon season as the right time to indulge in herbal therapies and the body is treated to special herbal oils and medications.

Each monsoon season in Kerala is as fresh as the first dew on a blade of grass and once experienced, it gets lodged in the memory forever.  

Champakkulam Boat Race - Snake Boats Ripping The Calm Water For A Grand Visual Spectacle

CHAMPAKKULAM BOAT RACE

AT

ALAPPUZHA

The Champakkulam Boat Race starts off the season of boat races and unleashes a visual splendour as the snake boats slice through the calm waters accompanied by the rhythmic chant of boat songs in the Alappuzha District Of Kerala State of India.

Kerala is one of the best kept secrets of India. A culture in which the heritage of the land is proudly preserved in the hearths and hearts of all the people of the land, a study into the culture of Kerala is a fascinating tale of natural beauty coupled with an ancient heritage. Perhaps no other aspect of the heritage of Kerala exhibits it as much as do the various festivals in Kerala, notable among which is the Champakkulam Boat Race.

The Champakkulam Boat Race is all set to begin on June 26, this year. The festival, which is one of the most-awaited events in the calendar of Kerala, has an origin which dates back to centuries in time. This spectacular snake boat race is held on the River Pampa on the day of the 'moolam', which is followed in accordance to the Malayalam month of Midhunam. The day is considered to be especially sacred as it is the day when the Deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple was installed.

The Champakulam Boat Race is held in accordance to a legend which is strongly adhered to by the people of Kerala. According to the legend, the king of Chempakasseri in Devanarayana, under the influence of instructions, provided to him by the royal priest erected a temple in his kingdom. However, just before the installation, he was informed that the idol was not auspicious. 

To make amends, the king brought the idol of Sree Krishna from the Karikulam temple in Kurichi, which legend claimed was handed over to Arjuna by Lord Krishna himself. It was during this journey that the king made a stop over at Champakulam. The next morning saw thousands of boats assembled at the site in a riot of colors in order to honor the sacred event and to escort the idol home

The banks of the Pampa River gets swarmed by people from far and near, cheering and egging on the oarsmen to a resounding finish. These snake boats ripping through the serene waters and propelled by hundreds of oarsmen splashing and beating their oars about in the waters in unison makes for a grand visual spectacle. Boats such as chundan (snake boat), veppu, iruttu kuthi, churulan and others from nearby regions line up to participate in this spectacular water sport. 

It is this scene which is enacted in this part of the world every year and which is known as the Champakkulam Boat Race.

Nearest Railway Station is Thrissur and it is about 25km.

Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport and it is about 78km.