Aranmula Uthruttathi boat race today: From timings to traffic curbs, here's everything you need to know

The Aranmula Uthruttathi Jalolsavam, a Kerala boat race that's more of a cultural ritual than a sporting event, will be held today (August 30, Sunday) in the Pamba River in Pathanamthitta. This year's Jalolsavam will be inaugurated by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan at 1.30 pm. Kerala Governor RV Arlekar and a few other dignitaries will also attend the event. Here's everything you need to know about its timings, restrictions and more.

What is Aranmula Uthruttathi boat race?
Unlike the other boat races in which Kerala's snake boats race for the top spots, the Aranmula boat race features a taller boat named 'palliyodam.' Each palliyodam is a sacred boat of the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, and each represents a different region of Aranmula.

Boat race timings
The festivities begin early in the morning, with the sacred lamp from the temple sanctum sanctorum being brought to the Satram pavilion, followed by the hoisting of the festival flag by District Collector A Nissauddin. A spectacular water procession will kick off in the afternoon, featuring traditional cultural pageants and an aerial display by helicopters.

High-octane races and digital timing
The competitive races will start at 3 pm, with 51 snake boats (locally known as Palliyodams) battling it out on the water. The lineup includes 35 boats in Batch A and 16 in Batch B. To ensure complete transparency, state-of-the-art digital timing systems will be deployed to clock the heats, with the top four fastest boats qualifying for the grand finale. Winners in both batches will walk away with the prestigious Mannam Trophy, while the crew displaying the finest rhythm, song and rowing technique will be awarded the R Sankar Memorial Trophy.

A grand water procession
The sacred Thiruvonathoni will lead the ceremonial procession, heading towards the Parappuzha ghat. It will be followed by Batch B boats sailing from the temple ghat to the Satram pavilion before returning to Parappuzha. The remaining Batch B boats will lead the way for Batch A, which will embark on their grand parade from the Jawan ghat.

Strict venue guidelines and security
Strict security regulations are in place for the Satram venue. Invitees holding general entry passes must access the eastern pavilion via the Edasserimala East Palliyodappura route. Complimentary pass holders are advised to enter the western gallery tent through the route near the Edasserimala Karayogam building.

Grand feasts and Ashtamirohini Vallasadya
This year’s Vallasadya (the ceremonial feast) season will conclude on September 16. According to Palliyoda Seva Sangham officials, including President KV Sambadevan and Secretary Prasad Anand Bhavan, a whopping 565 feasts have been booked so far. The legendary Ashtamirohini Vallasadya will be held on September 4 in the temple courtyard, officially inaugurated by Travancore Devaswom Board President K Jayakumar.

Traffic restrictions and diversions
Local authorities have announced strict traffic diversions in and around Aranmula from 9 am until the Vice President’s departure at 2.30 pm. Travel from Konni Junction to Arattupuzha will be heavily restricted. Vehicles heading from Pathanamthitta to Kozhencherry will be rerouted via Kadammanitta and Pazhayatheruvu. Traffic from Mylapra and Kumbazha will be barred from entering Pathanamthitta town, while vehicles from Chengannur will be diverted via the Anjilimoottil Bridge.