Scaled-down Aranmula regatta held

In view of curbs, only three snakeboats take part in event

Strict regulations notwithstanding, the rhyme and rhythm of vanchipattu reverberated across the banks of the Pampa as oarsmen on three snakeboats propelled in unison along the river to stage this year’s Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race on Wednesday. In view of the COVID-19 restrictions, only three palliyodams — Maramon, Kozhencherry and Keeezhvanmazhy — took part in the event this year. Each boat had 40 persons on board. Last year, the event was staged with just a boat, with 24 persons on board. The race, which began by 10.45 a.m, was held in three legs respectively from the ghats of Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple to Sathrakadavu, from Sathrakadavu to Parappuzhakadavu, and from Parappuzhakadavu to the temple ghats again. A handful of devotees were present on the river ghats to make offerings to the palliyodams.