All set for Vallasadya at Aranmula
The rhyme and rhythm of snake boats (palliyodams) have once again started reverberating across the banks of the Pampa with the season of Vallasadya, a
The rhyme and rhythm of snake boats (palliyodams) have once again started reverberating across the banks of the Pampa with the season of Vallasadya, a unique ritualistic feast attached to the Onam festivities at the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy temple, all set to begin here on Sunday. A cherished tradition, Vallasadya is an offering made by devotees to the presiding diety of the temple. Organised by the Palliyoda Seva Sanghom (PSS) in association with the Travancore Devaswom Board, the feast is hosted primarily for the oarsmen of the palliyodams that arrive from villages along the banks of the Pampa. The crews are accorded a ceremonial reception at the temple ghat before being escorted into the temple.
In keeping with tradition, the oarsmen offer paddy, tobacco and betel leaves to the deity before circumambulating the temple while singing Vanchippattu, the traditional boat songs that have echoed through Aranmula for generations. According to the PSS, 51 palliyodams will participate in this year’s Vallasadya, which will be held from July 19 to September 16. As many as 490 feasts have already been booked against a target of 570 the crews. The annual Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race is scheduled for August 30, followed by the Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya on September 4. Having remained in their sheds since the conclusion of last year’s Uthrattathi Boat Race and Vallasadya season, the snake boats have undergone extensive repairs and maintenance and are now returning to the water amid a festive atmosphere.
Aranmula is home to 52 palliyodams representing karas (village communities) stretching from East Edakkulam to West Chennithala. Approval has also been granted for a 53rd palliyodam representing Mookkannoor Kara. Special arrangements have been made to transport snake boats from distant locations to the temple ghat for the rituals. All participating oarsmen will be covered under a two-month insurance scheme. Routes earmarked Separate access routes have been earmarked for snake boats and the public at the temple ghat and a large shelter has been set up on the northern side of the temple premises. As part of the safety arrangements, a team from the Disaster Response Force has reached Aranmula to conduct inspections and will remain on standby throughout the season to respond to emergencies.
Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan will inaugurate the Vallasadya at noon on July 19. Union Minister Suresh Gopi, MP Anto Antony and MLAs Abin Varkey and Pazhakulam Madhu are expected to attend the inaugural function.
The BriefWire