Chundan Vallam

Chundan Vallam (Beaked Boat), known outside of Kerala as Kerala snake boats, are one of the icons of Kerala culture used in the Vallamkali boat race.

Snake boats during the Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race
Snake Boat
Preparing the snake boat

Naval architecture

Constructed according to specifications taken from the Sthapathya Veda, an ancient treatise for the building of wooden boats, these boats vary from 100 to 138 feet in length. With the rear portion rising to a height of about 20 feet, and a long tapering front portion, it resembles a snake with its hood raised. Hulls are built of planks precisely 83 feet in length and six inches wide. The boats are a good example of ancient Vishwakarma' prowess in naval architecture.

Traditions & customs

Traditionally each boat belongs to a village, and the villagers worship that boat like a deity. Only men are allowed to touch the boat, and to show respect they should be barefooted. To make the boat slippery while in the water and to reduce absorption of water and thereby reduce the resistance of the hull, it is oiled with a mixture of fish oil, the ash of coconut shells, and eggs. Repair work is done annually by the village carpenter.

Capacity and usage

Traditionally a boat will be commanded by a Kaarnavan / Karanaadhan village leader) with First Adanayampu, and under him there will be three main oarsmen who control the movement of the boat with a 12-foot-long (3.7 m) main rudder-oar (Adanayampu). Sitting two to a row along the length of the boat, there will be 64 oarsmen, representing 64 art forms (or on occasion 128 oarsmen). They row in rhythm of the vanchipattu (boatman's song). There will be around 25 singers in a row at the middle between the oarsmen. In the middle of the second half of the boat is a platform for eight people to stand from where the cantor will lead the song. They represent the Ashtadikpalakas (the Devas or Gods who guard the eight directions).

See also

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