Changanassery boat race set for grand revival after 12-year hiatus

Changanassery is gearing up to witness the thrilling spectacle of snake boats cutting through the waters once again. After a 12-year hiatus, the iconic Changanassery boat race and the associated tourism week celebrations are set to return to the Alappuzha-Changanassery (AC) Canal before October 15 this year. The much-awaited water regatta will be held at Manakkachira, promising to bring back the festive spirit that once defined the gateway to Kuttanad.

Traditionally held alongside Onam celebrations, the Changanassery boat race was last organised in 2013. A severe financial crunch, followed by a massive accumulation of water hyacinth and waste in the canal, put the brakes on the annual event. Subsequent challenges, including the devastating floods in Kerala and the COVID pandemic, further delayed its revival. The suspension of the regatta had dealt a heavy blow to local tourism, which once thrived on the influx of visitors drawn to this majestic water sport.

Clearing the tracks for the grand return
The path to reviving the boat race cleared up significantly after major efforts to remove weed infestation and waste from the AC Canal. However, the canal bed still requires extensive dredging to remove accumulated silt and mud before the race can begin. To address this, members of the water regatta committee, led by Vinu Job MLA, met with Mons Joseph to request urgent intervention. Afterwards, the irrigation department inspected the canal to prepare an estimate for the dredging work. The current plan aims to clean and prepare a one-kilometre-long racing track.

Securing government support
To ensure the smooth execution of the event, the committee members also met with PC Vishnunath to seek active co-operation and financial backing from the Kerala Tourism Department. The high-level delegation included general convenor KV Harikumar, secretary Artist Das, treasurer Sibi Arayackathara, Jacob Job, VJ Lali, PA Abdulsalam, and KJ Kochumon. With the authorities on board and preparatory work underway, locals and boat race enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to the return of the chundan vallams to the AC Canal.