In an atmosphere of gaiety and religious fervour, Aranmula Uthrittathi boat race was held on Pampa river at Sathrkadavu in Aranmula on Sunday. Marking the idol installation anniversary of Aranmula Lord Parthasarathi temple, thousands of people, including a large number of foreign tourists witnessed the water regatta. A total of 48 palliyodams, including 33 belonging to ‘A batch’ of bigger size snakeboats and the rest fall under ‘B’ category, participated in the procession and race. Inaugurating the boat race, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy assured the organisers of assistance for the smooth conduct of the boat race.
The Chief Minister complimented the Palliyoda Seva Sangham for organising the unique water festival. Kerala High Court Chief Justice Manjula Chellur, who inaugurated the procession of palliyodams, said that the Aranmula water festival is unparallel for the uniqueness of the palliyodams for their appearance and heritage.Justice Chellur lauded the efforts being taken by the organisers for the protection and preservation of the rich culture and traditionbehind the festival.
Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash presided over the function. Palliyoda Seva Sangham president K V Sambadevan welcomed the gathering. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurian delivered the keynote address. Water Resources Minister J Joseph, Health and Devaswom Minister V S Sivakumar, Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar, MPs Anto Antony and Kodikunnil Suresh, MLAs K Sivadasan Nair, Raju Abraham, P C Vishnunath, former MLAs K
C Rajagopalan, Malethu Saraladevi and A Padmakumar, district panchayat president Babu George, district collector in-charge H Salimraj, DSP K K Balachandran and Aranmula panchayat president Thankachen Kakkanad offered felicitations.
Palliyoda Seva Sangham secretary Ratheesh R Mohan proposed a vote of thanks.