Snake Boat Race! Doesn’t this term sound interesting? For those who are listening to it for the first time should know that the serene backwaters of Kerala transform into an arena of excitement and energy during the Champions Boat League (CBL)—a grand celebration of tradition, teamwork, and tenacity. It’s here that the legendary Snake Boats (Chundan Vallam) glide through shimmering waters with rhythmic precision, their synchronized oars carving waves of passion and pride.
More than just a race, this vibrant festival captures the soul of Kerala’s cultural heritage, drawing spectators from across the world to witness a spectacle of color, music, and community spirit. Whether you’re cheering from the banks or drifting alongside in awe, the CBL offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of “God’s Own Country.”
Vallam Kali: A Snake Boat Race
Every year, as Kerala celebrates the harvest festival of Onam, its serene backwaters come alive with the thunderous rhythm of Vallam Kali — the legendary snake boat race that transforms the tranquil waterways into pulsating arenas of energy and excitement. Long, serpent-shaped boats glide swiftly across the shimmering waters, propelled by hundreds of oarsmen rowing in perfect unison to the beats of drums and the roar of cheering crowds. In August and September 2025, three of the biggest Vallam Kali events will once again turn God’s Own Country into a vibrant stage for one of India’s most spectacular cultural celebrations.
What Makes Vallam Kali Special?
The term Vallam Kali literally translates to “boat play,” but this centuries-old tradition is far more than a race. Held during Onam, Kerala’s grand harvest festival, it symbolizes the spirit of unity, devotion, and celebration. The races take place on rivers and lakes brimming with monsoon waters, where the magnificent Chundan Valloms (snake boats) — sleek, 100-foot-long wooden vessels with high, curving sterns — cut through the waves like arrows. Each boat carries more than 100 rowers, their synchronized strokes creating a mesmerizing display of teamwork and rhythm.
Vallam Kali: A Showcase of Communal Harmony
But Vallam Kali is not just a competition; it is a reflection of Kerala’s maritime heritage and communal harmony. Each village takes immense pride in its boat, and months of preparation go into training, rituals, and maintenance. The oarsmen row not merely for victory, but as an act of devotion, often invoking the blessings of deities before setting out.
Blending sport, spirituality, and cultural identity, Vallam Kali captures the very soul of Kerala — a timeless tradition where strength meets spirit, and where the waters themselves seem to dance in celebration.