Ponnani: The vibrant lakes of Malabar are all set to ring in the Onam season with its iconic boat races. The Biyyam Lake has already become the central spot for the festivities as boats and the oarsmen are busy practising. The annual boat race would be held on August 30, marking this year’s grand Onam festivities.
Besides the boat race held at the Biyyam Lake, a new edition would be conducted from this year onwards at the Pookaithakadavu Lake in Ponnani. Even though the organizers had tried to conduct the Ponnani boat race last year, it didn’t materialize.
However, this year, they have successfully been able to organize the boat race which is hoped to draw crowds. Meanwhile, the people in the locality are already thrilled and are ready to celebrate Onam in style.
The oarsmen are practising vigorously, leaving no stone unturned for the preparations.
Races would be conducted in the major and minor categories. A temporary pavilion would be built at the Pulikadavu ghat. Moreover, facilities would be arranged on both sides of the banks to allow the spectators to enjoy the boat race comfortably. During the boat race, no other boats would be allowed to ride through the tracks.
Preparations overseen by MLA
A welcome committee meeting was convened by P Nandakumar MLA to evaluate the preparations. Decisions were taken to arrange extensive parking facilities and to take precautions to avoid accidents and untoward incidents.
Experts would be roped in to oversee and judge the races. Proper arrangements would be made to ensure that the races are conducted properly and the spectators are able to watch them safely.
