Kullu Dussehra

7/27/2019 Kullu Dussehra

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Kullu Dussehra

Kullu Dussehra is theDussehrafestival observed in the month of October

inHimachal Pradeshstate innorthern India. It is celebrated in the Dhalpur maidan in

theKulluvalley. Dussehra at Kullu commences on the tenth day of the rising moon, i.e

on 'Vijay Dashmi' day itself and continues for seven days. Its history dates back to the

17th century when local KingJagat Singhinstalled an idol ofRaghunathon his throne

as a mark of penance. After this, god Raghunath was declared as the ruling deity of

the Valley. The State government has accorded the status of International festival to

the Kullu Dussehra, which attracts tourists in large numbers.

Legendary history

According to legend, after his return from a pilgrimage toKailash

MaharishiJamdagniwent to his hermitage atMalana. On his head he carried a basket

filled with eighteen images of different gods. Crossing through Chanderkhani pass, he

came upon a fierce storm. Struggling to stay on his feet, Maharishi Jamdagni's basket

was thrown from his head, scattering the images to many distant places. Hill people,

finding these images saw them take shape or form as Gods, and began to worship

them. Legend has it that idol worship began in the Kullu Valley.

In the 16th Century, Raja Jagat Singh ruled over the prosperous and beautiful kingdom

of Kullu. As the ruler, the Raja came to know of a peasant by the name of Durgadatta

who apparently possessed many beautiful pearls. The Raja thought he should have

these treasured pearls, even though the only pearls Durgadatta had were pearls of

Knowledge. But the Raja in his greed ordered Durgadatta to hand over his pearls or be

hanged. Knowing of his inevitable fate at the hands of the king, Durgadatta threw

himself on the fire and cursed the king, "Whenever you eat, your rice will appear as

worms, and water will appear as blood". Doomed by his fate, the Raja sought solace

and searched out advice from aBrahmin. The Holy man told him that in order to

eradicate the curse, he must retrieve the idol of Ragunath fromRaam'skingdom
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Desperate, the king sent a Brahmin toAyodya. One fine day the Brahmin stole the ido

and set out on his journey back to Kullu. The people of Ayodya, finding their beloved

Ragunath missing, set out in search of the Kullu Brahmin. On the banks of the Saryu

river, they approached the Brahmin and asked him why he had taken Ragunath ji. The

Brahmin recounted the story of the Kullu king. The people of Ayodya attempted to lift

Ragunath, but their idol became incredibly heavy when headed back towards Ayodya

and became very light when headed to Kullu. On reaching Kullu Ragunath was

installed as the reigning deity of the Kullu kingdom. After installing the idol of

Ragunath, Raja Jagat Singh drank the Charan-Amrit of the idol and the curse was

lifted. Jagat Singh became Lord Ragunath's regent. This legend is connected with the

Dussehra at Kullu. This idol is taken in aRathato the Dussehra.

It is a week long international level fair held every year during October. The

International Kullu Dussehra fair is scheduled to be held from

13/14 October, 2013 at Kullu. The major attraction of the fair was the

assembly of hundreds of local deities with the main deity Raghunath ji

Other activities like cultural programmes, exhibitions were also organized
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayodyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayodyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayodyahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rathahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rathahttp://himachaltourism.gov.in/HimachalIT/image.axd?picture=2008/9/kulludussehra.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rathahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayodya


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Desert Festival Jaisalmer

Location: Sam Sand Dunes 42 K.M. from Jaisalmer

How to reach: SUV or Camel safari

Timing: In the month of February

Attractions: Cultural showcase

Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a colorful festival

held in February every year. You will get to see Cultural events,

camel races, turban tying competitions etc. Not exciting enough!

Attend the contests to judge the man with the best moustache.

Everything is exotic in the Desert festival, amidst the golden sands

of the Thar Desert. With a final musical performance by folk singers

under the moonlit sky at the dunes in Sam, just outside Jaisalmer,

the festival comes to its end. The rich culture of the region is on

display during this three daylong extravaganza.

The desert festival in Jaisalmer was started to attract foreign

tourists, who always wanted to explore as many facets of

Rajasthan as they could in the possible crunch of time. The three-

day event stresses more on local elements and heritage. For

example, this no-nonsense festival will only showcase Rajasthani

folk songs and dance. These are presented by some of the best


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professionals of the art. Similarly, local customs such as Turban

tying etc have been added to make it more exotic and colorful in its

outlook. 'The moustache competition' is very popular among

foreigners. This is simply because of the surprise value attached to

this event. Foreigners can be seen posing for pictures with the

winners. This is truly a moment worth preserving.

You will never forget marvels like the famous Gair and Fire dancers

that are the major attraction of the desert festival celebrations.

Interesting contests including a tying competition and a Mr. Desert

contest further enhance the fun of the occasion. A trip to the Sam

sand dunes marks the grand finale, where you will enjoy camel

rides and brilliant performance by the folk artist under the full moon

against the backdrop of picturesque dunes.

The Rajasthan tourism organizes the Jaisalmer Desert fair/festival.

There is tourist help cell to deal specially with the problems faced

by foreign tourists. The arrangements are monitored by local

administration and state of the art Medical vans, equipped with the

best of medical amenities, are kept on alert. If you want to buy gifts

or souvenirs for your dear ones, this is the place to be. For this

place not only have items from and around Jaisalmer but of the

whole Rajasthan. Mobile money exchangers are there in case you


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need to exchange currencies. And if you run out of cash, Guess

what! Nearly all the kiosks have the facility to accept credit card.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

The Desert Festival or the Jaisalmer Desert Festival as it is more

popularly known, is an annual event organized every year in

February at the beautiful desert city with the Golden Fortress of

Jaisalmer - Rajasthan, India. This three day Desert festival and

cultural extravaganza showcases the rich and colourful heritage of

Rajasthan and its folk culture. During the Jaisalmer Desert Festival,

the folk artists from around Rajasthan sing and dance eloquently to

the triumphs and the tragedies of this land steeped in history, other

major attractions at the desert festival include the traditional

acrobatics by Local nomadic performers & gymnasts calledKalabaz or Nats,

Snake charmers, entertaining puppet shows and captivating folk

music recitals and Ballads by the Bhopas, Manganiars & Langhas

under the canopy of the twinkling stars & winter desert sky .

Other major attractions at the Jaisalmer Desert Festival are the

turban tying competition, longest moustaches competition and Mr.

Desert contest . You will never forget marvels like the famous Gair


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and the Fire dancers . Attend the contests to judge the man with

the longest moustache, foreign guests & visitors visiting the desert

festival many a time are invited to be judges at these competitions.

The moustache competition' is very popular among foreigners,

simply because of the awe factor attached to this event. Overseas

visitors to the Jaisalmer desert festival can be seen posing for

pictures with the winners of the longest moustache competition as

this is truly a camera moment worth preserving.

No desert festival can be complete without camels and at the

Jaisalmer Desert Festival there are no exceptions. Camels take

part in a number of events, including camel races, camel polo ,

camel decoration, and camel dance. The Jaisalmeri breed of

camels are particularly known for their speed & agility.

There is no religious or customary tradition attached to the Desert

Festival at Jaisalmer. The Desert festival in Jaisalmer was initiated

primarily to attract foreign tourists and overseas visitors who always

wanted to explore as many facets of Rajasthan as they could in the

least possible time in actual desert environs and ideal weather.

This three-day event Highlights the local elements and heritage .

Not only the Jaisalmer fort but the whole Jaisalmer city brims with

excitement during the Desert Festival. Everything is exotic and


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colourful during the Desert festival, amidst the golden sands of the

Thar Desert with a final musical performance by folk singers under

the starlit sky at the dunes in Sam, just outside Jaisalmer, the

Jaisalmer Desert festival comes to its end.

The next Jaisalmer Desert festival is scheduled to be held between

23rd-25th February 2013.

Please contact us to help you plan your visit to Jaisalmer during the

Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2013. We can also plan your tour of

Rajasthan or other places of interest in India.


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The Durga Puja

Festival of

Kolkata and WestBengalIn Hinduism, Mother Durga represents the

embodiment ofshakti, the divine feminine force

that governs all cosmic creation, existence and

change. It is held that Durga emerged fromthe collective energies of all of the gods,

including Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, to

vanquish the demon Mahishasura who could

not be defeated by any god or man. She is thus

the compassionate savior of all of the gods and

the universe. Durga exists in a complete state

of self-sufficiency and independence from the

universe and everyone and everything in it (inSanskrit, Durga means "the impenetrable" or

"the inaccessible"). At the same time, she is

also regarded as the mother of Ganesha and

Kartikeya, and is thus seen as the demon-

fighting form of Shiva's wife, Parvati.


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Durga is honored with extreme fervor

during the annual Navratri festival, which

marks the beginning of autumn and

occurs typically in September or October.

Navratri means "nine nights" in Sanskrit,

and on each day of the festival, nine

different forms of shakti or Mother Durgaare worshipped. In West Bengal, this

festival occurs primarily on days six

through ten of Navratri. On the tenth

day, Durga's victory over evil is celebrated

as Vijayadashami in Bengal and Dussehra

in Hindi (in North India, Dussehra also

commemorates Rama's vistory over the

demon Ravana as described inthe Ramayana). Durga Puja also celebrates

the annual visit of Durga and her children

to her ancestral home, and her reunion

with Shiva on Vijayadashami.

Our innovative trip focuses on the last

six days of Navratri in West Bengal,

which is known as Durga Puja or

Durgotsava and is the largest festival ofthe year for Bengali Hindus. In the

months leading up to Durga Puja, highly

decorated, life-sized idols of Durga that

depict her slaying Mahishasura are


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created by potters out of clay. In large

open spaces around West Bengal,

elaboratepandals, or temporary temples

made of bamboo and cloth, are created to

house the idols. The idols

are worshipped for five days and then

carried in magnificent procession to alocal river for immersion, symbolizing

Durga's reunion with Shiva. The five-

day period of worship is a time of

personal introspection and bodily

purification for devotees, with many

avoiding meat, alcohol, onions, wheat

and grains. The end of Navratri and

Durga Puja further marks an auspicioustime for starting new activities or

business ventures.

While references to Durga Puja in Bengal can be found as far back as the middle ages, it did not

become popular among the zamindars, or wealthy landowners of Bengal, until the 17th and 18th

centuries. In 1757, an elaborate puja was even held in honor of Rober Clive by Raja Nabakrishna

Deb of Calcutta. Lord Clive wished to pay thanks for his victory in the Battle of Plassey, which

established East India Company rule in Bengal, but the only church in Calcutta had been destroyed

in battle, thus a puja was held at Deb's home instead. This was followed by subsequent pujas by

other prominant Bengali families in which British Officers of the East India Company were theguests of honor. Each family would try to outdo the others with increasingly elaborate food and

drink, decoration and music and dance entertainment.

Soon thereafter, community or Baroyari ("twelve friends")

pujas began to be organized by small groups of people

excluded from the elite family pujas due to social

status. By the early 20th century, these festivities had

evolved into Sarbojanin ("involving all") pujas, in which

people from all castes, creeds and religions couldparticipate; these pujas further served to create a feeling of

unity during the struggle for independence. These pujas

were organized by neighborhood committees, who

traditionally went door-to-door seeking funds for icon and

pandal construction and ceremonial activities, with some


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portion of the funds donated to charity. Over the years,

both the icons and the pandals have gotten more and more

elaborate, and each year fierce competitions are held

among neighborhoods for the best pandals and puja

themes (past themes have run the gamut from the ancient

Egyptians to Harry Potter). Today, the larger community

pujas in Kolkata even have corporate sponsorship, addinga commercial aspect to this highly spiritual celebration.

Over ten years ago,The Indians created the first behind-the-scenes tourof the Durga Puja Festival in West Bengal. This program contrasts the

elaborate festival preparations and celebrations of the elite households and

heritage neighborhoods of Kolkata with the more humble rituals of the

rural villages of West Bengal.

The first three days of our trip will include

visiting Kumartuli, Area of the Potters, where

the icons of Durga are sculpted and painted.

Here we will learn about the rituals that

surround the creation of the icons themselves,

such as the gathering of the clay and

the Chakshu Daan, or Offering of the Eyes. We

will next join the crowds "pandal hopping" inthe heritage neighborhoods of Kolkata,

admiring the artistic displays and watching the

fascinating puja choreography. We will also

have the privilege of joining several elite

families of Kolkata in their homes to observe

their private pujas. The following three days

will be spent exploring the Birbhum and

Bankura districts of West Bengal. We will visit

a number of traditional villages to view their

puja pandals and festival processions. We will

also learn about the rich textile and craft

heritage of this area, which includes beautiful

silk weaving, conch shell carving, dhokra metal

casting and terracotta pottery. Our tour returns
http://www.fromlosttofoundtravel.com/whoweare/ourpartnersinindia.htmlhttp://www.fromlosttofoundtravel.com/whoweare/ourpartnersinindia.htmlhttp://www.fromlosttofoundtravel.com/whoweare/ourpartnersinindia.html


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to Kolkata just in time to see thousands of

Durga idols brought to the Hoogly River for

ritual immersion on the last day of the festival.

The Durga Puja Festival of Kolkata and West Bengal

9 Days/8 Nights - October 7th to 15th, 2013; September 27th to

October 5th, 2014


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Hemis festival in Ladakh

The Hemis festival is one of the biggest and the most famous religious festivals of Ladakh and

is an attraction for both the tourist and the local people. The festival of Hemis is a colorful two-

day affair that falls on the 10th day (called Tse-Chu in the local language) of the Tibetan lunar

month. This festival is a celebration of the birth anniversary of spiritual leader Padmasambhava

the founder of Tibet Tantric Buddhism. The main venue and stage for this festival is the

courtyard of Hemis Gompa-the biggest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh.

the Monastery of Hemis Jangchub Choling:

situated 40 km from Leh, this monastery is the principal, richest, loveliest and renowned gompa

of Ladakh. Hemis was constructed in 1630 all through the rule of Sengge Namgyal, a

memorable sovereign of Ladakh. It throve under the Namgyal progeny for ages as the royalty

blessed the Drugpa sect, which administered the monastery. It is popular because of the major

annual celebration organized here in summer. The leading Thanka in Ladakh is also present

here that unfolds itself once in a period of 12 years.

The carnival preparations:

The head priest directs the festival. The local people are noticed being transformed and adorned

in their premium conventional apparels for the function. Priests called chams carry out

impressive masquerades yet revered plays in the company of long horns, drums and cymbals

played by monks. The entertainers wear detailed and peculiar vivid brocade dresses and facade

and outfits and intensely tinted masks. These masks are the most fundamental component of the

dance. The music is typically interposed with resonance of unwieldy trumpets, cymbals and

drums.Ladakh_Hemis


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The Cham Dance:

The dance movements are slow, and the expressions grotesque. Each multihued mask represents

an unusual stature of the myth thats being exhibited. The famous Padmasambhava dance,

which illustrates the subjugation of the ruta demons, incorporates Yama the God of demise

and the black-hatted wizard, Guru Trakpothe conqueror of all fiends.

Unique exhibition every 12 years:

This pulsating fiesta takes a promising turn, when the two-storey high Thanka portraying

Padmasambhava puts on a show at an interval of every 12 years in the Tibetan calender. This

celebrated Thanka, opulently embellished with pearls and semi-precious stones, was last

exhibited in the revelries of the year 2004. A multicolored fair, demonstrating several stunning

handiworks, is the special focal point of the

celebration.

Monastery in LadakhHemis

The festival dates and duration:

This festival falls in the 5th month of Tibetan calendar

and is in the month of June or the first half of July.

The fanfare lasts for 2-3 days.

Feel the thrill with ThrillChimp:

Live your dream of taking part in this vibrant festival

and enjoy the local cuisine and adventure safaris on

yaks and camels while there. Reach out to us today forour special customizable seasonal packages to Leh-

Ladakh and let us plan the best holiday of your life!


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The Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular Vallam Kali held in the Punnamada Lake near

Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Vallam Kali or Vallamkali literally means boat play/game, but can be

translated to boat race in English. The most popular event of the race is the competition of

Chundan Vallams (snake boats). Hence the race is also known as Snake Boat Race in English.

Other types boats which participate in various events of the race are Churulan Vallam,

Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam and

Kochu Vallam.

The race conducted on the second Saturday of August every year is a major tourist attraction.

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of Independent India visited Kerala in 1952. He was

given a roaring reception by the people of Alleppey, escorted by the huge snake-boats. Having

gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake-boat Jawaharlal Nehru donated a

rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the race. The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in

silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words are inscribed.

To the winner of the boat-race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-

Cochin.

The 100120 foot long canoes made of a wood locally called "Aanjili thadi" carrying 90- 110

rowers which moves like a snake through the channels (hence the name), is an eye catching

sight for any tourist. The Chundan Vallam also has the record as "the biggest water vessel used

for sports purpose" .

Karichal, Kallooparamban, champakulam, Nadubhagom, Paayipaadu, Kaavalam, Alapaatu,Aanari, Cheruthana, Aayaparambu, St. George, Jawahar Thaayankari, Vallamkulangara, Valiya

Divanji, Sri.Ganesh, Paarthasarathy, Ambedkar, Mutteal Kainakary, Ellikkulam,

Vadakkeaattupuram and Deva's Chundan are the name of popular snake boats who participate

in the Chundan Vallam category. Famous Karichal Chundan winning the Nehrutrophy Boat


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Race in 14 times.Karichal chundan is the Fastest chundan in NehruTrophy Boat Race Year

2011 Heats Time : 4m.30s (www.karichalchundan.com)

Palliyodam, or Royal Canoe of Aranmula, is the other type of snake boat. This year,the 60th

Nehru Trophy Boat race is conducted as a three day program.The tranquil Alappuzha with its

corduroy of canals undergoes a transformation in early August to a frenzy activity and

enthusiasm which reaches it is summit on the second Saturday, the day on which the world

famous kuttanads Olympics on Water is held annually.

Nehru Trophy Boat race at Punnamada, Alappuzha is one of the most significant and colourfu

boat races in Kerala. It is a world renowned event, held annually on the second Saturday of the

month of August in the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. Boats of all sizes compete in different

events in the boat race and . Kerala is celebrating its 61st nehru trophy boat race on 10th August

2013.

The most prestigious and interesting event among the races is the competition of the "Chundan

Vallam" or the snake boats. These majestic boats measuring a length of 30 to 60 metres (over

100 ft) with a raised prow, are quite impressive and can accommodate around 100 rowers, 4

helmsmen and 25 cheer leaders. The boats are well decorated with colourful trimmings and

umbrellas during the race. Champakulam, Kavalam, Karichal, Jawahar Thayangari,

Kallooparamban, Pacha, Pulincunnu, Nedubhagam, Cheruthana, Kandangari and Paippad are

the chief competitors for the trophy. The huge boats racing through the blue backwaters is a

spectacular sight. The venue is 5kms from Alappuzha railway station and a walk able distance

from Alappuzha bus stand.

This race became a regular annual event after the visit of India's 1st prime minister, Jawaharlal

Nehru in 1952 to Alappuzha. He was so impressed with the impromptu race conducted on his

behalf that he donated a Silver Trophy, which is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden

abacus, with the words "To the winner of the boat race which is a unique feature of community

life in Travancore - Cochin" inscribed on it.


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The water festival in Kuttanad is unique. No other country in the world has such festivities. The

large number of participants in a racing boat marks still the uniqueness that no other sport in the

world has such a large number in a team. The synchronized way of rowing needs long and

devoted training and inherent aptitude. Those who steer the vessel need through knowledge of

water current, observation power of high order, and they must be well versed in the different

aspects of boat racing. The most notable fact in the races of boats is that a single neglected act

of a single participant will lead a boat to lose in the race.

Most of the major water festivals of the region are associated with legends connected with

famous temples like champakkulam (Ambalapuzha), Payipad (Haripad) and Aranmula. These

festivals best retain the flavour of ancient Kerala culture, especially the Uthrithathi boat race on

the Pampa , in Aranmula, where devotion, music and the sheer artistry and grandeur of the

boats, known as Palliyodams , make it a unique experience for the spectators.

Nehrutrophy.com is a web portal of Kerala.com and Keralatravels.com. We solicit our services

all across the globe.Kerala.com, with its vast experience in the field of IT, has been one of the

pioneer companies in India that provides IT enabled services in Travel and Tourism, to give

maximum comfort and satisfaction to the customers.

We take immense pleasure to be a part of this renowned festival. We provide accommodation,

travels, guides and all those which caters for the best results and make your festive mood relish

with its true colour and harmony.

HISTORY ABOUT BOAT RACES


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The boat race is a sport that signifies excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the people

of this backwater country and is a great occasion for excitement. It vividly portrays the life of a

vibrant people. Boat races are celebrated as the festival of backwaters with all pomp and

splendor. In fact these water carnivals are inseparable from the life of a community, which is

dependent on boats for commuting and communication in a water logged area. Perhaps snake

boat race would be the only sporting event in the world in which hundreds of people participate

in a competition. It stands as a symbol of communal harmony; but at the same time it is also a

competition of muscle power.

Boat races are magnificent fiestas that bring alive the tranquil backwaters and these races are

held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake

boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world

the snake boat races are preceded by colorful water parades. Usually four helmsman, 25 singers

and 100-125 oarsmen who row in unison to the fast rhythm of the Vanchipattu man a snake

boat. Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice

through the waters to a spectacular finish.

In the lakes and canals of Alappuzha different kinds of boats can be identified ranging from

small country crafts for single person to boats carrying hundreds of people. In the good golden

days these boats were the only major means of cargo and passenger transportation in this

backwater country. Country canoes, rice boats (Kettuvallom), house boats, race boats etc. are

the other different kinds of boats to be seen around.

Boat race Calendar:

The Champakkulam Moolam boat race (July) heralds the onset of the boat race season. The

other boat races are Aranmula Uthruttathi Vallam kali (September), Payippad Jalotsavam

(September), Rajiv Gandhi boat race, Pulincuunnu (Aug/Sep), Neerettupuram boat race (Sept),

Karuvatta boat race, Kumarakom boat race, Kavanattinkara boat race, Kottappuram boat race,

Kodungallor boat race, Arppookkara Vanitha Jalamela, Kottayam Mahatma boat race, Mannar


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boat race, Thazhathangadi boat race, Kumaranasan Smaraka Jaloltsavam, Pallana and finally

the Indira Gandhi boat race at Kochi.

Boat Categories

1. CHUNDAN VALLAM (SNAKE BOAT)

The boats of Kerala are categorised and named as per their shapes, sizes and purposes. The

Chundaanvallam is so called because of its pointed prow. The term snake boat indicates the

shape of the stern which resembles the raised hood of a snake. The front end of this type of boat

will be tapering in shape and the rear end will be highly elevated from the water level. It has a

length of about 60-65 meters and a capacity to carry over a hundred to hundred and ten people

during a race. The stern is majestically caparisoned and decorated with a flag and brass

ornaments. Silken parasols are arrayed along the entire length of the boat. There will be almost

95 oarsman, 5 Amarakkar (Controllers) and 10 'Nilakkar' (persons supposed to enhance the

vigour and enthusiasm of the participating oarsman). It has the semblance of a snake, while

advancing in a competition and hence became popular as snake boats. These boats were the

traditional battle vessels of Kerala.

2. CHURULAN VALLAM (RACE BOAT)

The Race Boats "churulan vallams" are boats having a capacity to acommodate about 45

persons and are designed as passenger boats.The ends of these types of boats are shaped as a

Circular ring (Churul in Malayalam).

3. VAIPU VALLAM

'Vaipu' vallams are boats having a passenger capacity of about 40-45 persons. One end of the

boat is always higher than the other end. These boats were originally meant to prepare food for

the other vessels during war .

4. IRUTTUKUTHY/ODI


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Iruttukuthy or Odi type of boats are designed for transportation during the night. The shape of

the boat is suitable for speedy journey. The width of the boat is so designed as to avoid friction

with water while moving. In olden days these boats were supposed to be used for piracy works.

VANCHIPATTU (SONG OF THE BOATMAN)

These highly rhythmic songs were created to keep up the spirit of the boatman. These songs

were so framed and sung as to keep pace with the movement of the oars and to keep alive their

devotional, mythological and rustic life styles. Every snake boat has about twenty-five singers

with their traditional percussion instruments.

Documents

Kullu Dussehra