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Wordless Wednesday: The Sacred Tree

WPC: ‘Quest’ for glory, Mangalassery Jalotsavam

Yet another Onam season and one more edition of ‘Jalotsavam’ or the ‘Vallamkali (Country boat race)’ in North Kerala…

I had been to here last time and shared my experiences here in my post…

Unlike it’s more famed cousins of south Kerala like Aranmula Vallamkali where the traditional snake boat race in the vast backwaters happens , it’s organised in Kuppam river by ‘Navodaya Club‘ with stunning natural settings…

Slowly people have started watching with great passion and sinking in the spirit of Vallamkali…

Local clubs have now become more competent and the races are fought with intensity.

Still visitors have an upper hand due to their experience and fine tuned techniques and the local teams are still pursuing their Quest for glory…

This time, I watched most of the race from a nearby hilltop and we had yet another great evening …

Quest

Exotic Kerala: Mangalassery Snake Boat Race

Is it a bit of an exaggeration to call my native Kerala, “God’s Own Country” ???

This question used to pop up in my mind on seeing ads from Kerala Tourism department.

But, one year of travel through the length and breadth of this state wiped off all the doubts in my mind.

And now it’s your turn 🙂

We were on our way to watch the annual Snake Boat Race, organized by “Navodaya Club“, at Mangalassery. A small village of Kannur district in North Kerala. This was the view waited for us, as we took a turn and descended to the riverside.

We stopped for a while and savored the beauty at our backyard for some time.

People always associate “Vallam Kali” or “snake boat race” to the vast backwaters of south kerala.

Here, in northern districts of Kannur and Kasaragod it’s a rare event and been introduced only a few years back. This year’s event was the third edition at Mangalassery and held on 21st September.

Before the race began there was a tableau showcasing the art and culture of the region.

As it’s something quite new for most of the crowd, they really enjoyed even the practice sessions.

Scorching sun didn’t have any effect on the festive mood and people made their own custom VIP seats and enjoyed the show 🙂

As the real race started, I just became part of the crowd.

The event, the crowd and more than anything else, the whole setting by nature,  certainly had an unforgettable impression on us.

I am sure, I’ll be back there for the next edition…

An evening at my uncle’s garden

Last week I got a chance to visit my uncle’s home in Kerala.

He has a beautiful garden and my timing of visit was perfect.

There were plenty of flowers and butterflies and thank god, I had my camera in my backpack too.